Reading face more frustration as Wycombe provide latest update on potential training ground purchase

Sky Bet League One club Wycombe had been in talks with cash-strapped neighbours Reading over the purchase of their Bearwood training facility.

The two clubs were hoping that a deal “will provide Reading with the necessary financial support to ensure that they are able to meet their ongoing financial obligations”.

A statement on Wycombe’s official website read: “Importantly, it was agreed that while the details were being finalised and due diligence carried out, (Wycombe’s majority investor) Feliciana would provide sufficient financing to Reading to allow it to pay its tax obligations and operating expenses, including payroll for the staff and players.

“It was Wycombe and Feliciana’s belief that they were helping Reading and professional football with the offer to assist its neighbour in a manner that had historically been used in the past by many football clubs.”

The statement added: “Wycombe Wanderers Football Club and Feliciana have to put on hold the discussions and ongoing due diligence due to seeming planning limitations allowing only Reading FC to use the training grounds.

“Wycombe continues to wish its neighbours good luck in solving its issues. For its part, Wycombe will continue its search for a training ground that meets its ambitions for the club.”

The PA news agency understands that Reading’s owners must spend any up-front payment linked to the sale of their training ground to Wycombe on keeping the club afloat.

Reading have had six points deducted from their total this season after a series of failures by owner Dai Yongge to fulfil the club’s financial obligations under English Football League rules, with a further two points suspended.

The Royals currently sit 18th, seven points above the League One relegation zone.

Reading fans have been protesting against Dai’s ownership and in January around 1,000 supporters invaded the pitch during their match against Port Vale, leading it to be abandoned.

The PA news agency has approached Reading for comment.