Gymshark CEO Ben Francis responds to claims he's going to buy Reading

Reading have fallen from the brink of the Premier League to League One in the space of seven years and have fallen into financial turmoil under current owner Dai Yongge.

The club have been docked 16 points in the last two years and have been hit with two deductions this season alone.

Fans of the Royals are desperate to see the Chinese millionaire relinquish any control of the club and have taken to extreme measures to voice their outrage at him.

Their league clash against Port Vale earlier this month was abandoned after fans stormed the pitch at the Madjeski Stadium in protest against Yongge.

Meanwhile, their FA Cup defeat at non league Eastleigh in December was temporarily suspended after fans threw tennis balls, fake money, and a flare onto the pitch.

READ MORE EFL

The reason why Jobe Bellingham has his first name on his shirt but Jude does

Troy Deeney accuses Forest Green of using him and apologises to players who dropped down

The future of the club remains up in the air, however, it emerged on Sunday evening that Francis could be a contender to take over the club.

It was reported that he was on the verge of becoming the sole owner. However, he's denied this story, insisting his loyalty to his beloved Aston Villa and duties to running fitness apparel and accessories manufacturer Gymshark stand in his way.

"I'm sorry but this isn't true," Francis said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"I'm a Villa fan through and through and wouldn't have an involvement with any other club. Plus I'm far too busy at Gymshark! All the best I hope you can get everything sorted."

Most read in EFL

Troy Deeney accuses Forest Green of using him and apologises to players who dropped down

Kasey Palmer sends message as Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry condemn racial abuse

Sunderland fans sing 'you're getting sacked in the morning' Michael Beale faces pressure

The reason why Jobe Bellingham has his first name on his shirt but Jude does

Reading fans have received a lot of sympathy from fans across the country, however, chief executive Dayong Pang says the process to begin the sale of the club is underway.

Pang also condemned the actions of the protesting fans who ran onto the pitch on January 13, saying it was doing more harm than good.

Reading fans storm the pitch during match as they protest against club owner Dai Yongge

"I share the frustration about the selling process," Pang told talkSPORT.

"But the reaction has done nothing good for the club, and it has done nothing good for the selling process.

"The selling process is undergoing. I please ask our fans [to] be more patient. It takes time. Please be patient."

Asked by Jim White whether the Royals have any potential buyers, Pang remarked: "We keep talking to all different kinds of buyers after two offers pulled out.

"We are still talking to all different kinds of people and Mr Dai is 100 per cent willing to sell the club."

Pressed as to whether he realised how important the football club is to the supporters, Pang stated: "We understand.

"He is trying to put the club in safe hands. We cannot just lie to sell the club to people."

Expressing if he has any fear for further protests, he declared: "There's nothing I can do more.

Read More on talkSPORT

Newcastle stance on Trippier and Wilson, Mourinho latest, Man United hire new CEO

Patrick Mahomes' response to Tua asking for his jersey has NFL fans saying same thing

"We are doing our job, and some fans think they are doing the right thing.

"All I can say, is just ask our fans, just please be more patient. The selling process is undergoing."