DEPUTY leader of the Labour Party Angela Rayner has welcomed the possibility of a change of ownership of Oldham Athletic.

The MP for Failsworth and Ashton met with a number supporters last year to listen to their concerns over the future of the club under Abdallah Lemsagam.

Today's announcement that the Moroccan businessman, who has overseen a startling decline of the club he bought in 2018, was actively looking for a buyer has been largely welcomed.

But while Rayner herself was encouraged by the development she warned due diligence must be done over prospective new owners

Reacting to the official club statement from current owner Lemsagam Rayner said: “This will be welcome news for Latics fans.

“Along with fellow Oldham MPs Jim McMahon and Debbie Abrahams, I met with several fans groups and their frustration with the current ownership was clear to see.

“Local football clubs are the beating heart of our communities. They must engage with supporters and be transparent so fans don’t feel frozen out of their own club.

“We now wait to see who comes forward as Latics fight to avoid relegation from League Two. We must ensure the next owner has a real commitment to both the club and the town.”

MP for Oldham West and Royton McMahon added: “It’s important we see the details of any future changes to ownership but it’s clear the current situation isn’t tenable nor in the interests of the club.

“If a new owner emerges they must be held to a high bar and have a long term interest in the town, after so much turmoil it’s vital the club settled, wins back lost fans and rebuilds to strength.”