OLDHAM Athletic’s takeover remains on track, but is unlikely to be finalised before next week, The Oldham Times understands.

A four-week timeframe was put on the proposal to transfer the club, stadium and land to a single ownership, after deals were struck with Abdallah Lemsagam and landlord Simon Blitz.

The duo were at loggerheads over the ownership of the Joe Royle North Stand at Boundary Park, with the club starting legal proceedings against Blitz-owned Brass Bank.

There had been a long-standing dispute between Blitz, who used to own the club but still owns the stadium, and current club owner Lemsagam over rental arrangements and usage of the ground’s newest stand.

Lemsagam, who completed his takeover of Latics in 2018, was aiming to wrestle control of the stand so that matchday and all other income went to the club.

The court case would have threatened the sale of the club had it been pursued. However, after it emerged last month that a local business was in line to buy the club, stadium and land, a club statement read: “Abdallah Lemsagam and Simon Blitz have agreed to make significant compromises to enable the sale of Oldham Athletic Football Club and Boundary Park Stadium to be consolidated under one single ownership.”

The initial hope was that it would all be finalised to coincide with last week’s 40th anniversary of Joe Royle being appointed manager of Oldham Athletic. His son, Darren, is the deal broker with the as yet un-named local business, while the former boss is likely to return in a behind the scenes role.

However, due diligence, and the intricacies of deal for all entities have meant fast-tracking has not been possible.

But manager John Sheridan earlier this week moved to reassure fans who had started to doubt the likelihood of a takeover, telling The Oldham Times: “It’s happening. When it happens it will be for the best.”

The Oldham Times understands a meeting took place with Oldham Council yesterday, with a view to the deal being finalised next week.

Boss Sheridan has already been working with the new owners on recruitment during pre-season, with at least one trialist that has featured in the friendlies expected to sign, while Darren Royle has attended every pre-season friendly so far.

Latics continue their pre-season preparations with tomorrow’s visit of Mansfield Town (kick-off 3pm).

The League Two Stags provide one of the tougher tests in the club’s summer schedule.

Oldham have so far recorded a goalless draw at Bamber Bridge, defeat to Wigan Athletic, while a young line-up lost 2-0 at Bradford Park Avenue in their last outing, with three friendlies still to play.

Entry for both sets of supporters is through cash only turnstiles, with adults charged £10 and under 21s/over 65s charged £5. Tickets cannot be bought in advance for this fixture.