A takeover of Nottingham Forest appears to be drawing closer after chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi seemingly bid farewell to the club on Twitter.
It is reported that the Forest owner is in negotiations with an American consortium led by John Jay Moores and Charles Noell, who hope to assume control at the City Ground sometime during the forthcoming international break, which follows this weekend's round of fixtures.
Al-Hasawi, who purchased Forest in July 2012, posted a series of tweets admitting his time in charge had not worked out as he had hoped before appearing to confirm his impending departure.
I would like to wish all the supporters, the staff and the players all the best in the near future. #nffc
- @FAWAZ_ALHASAWI (@fawaz_alhasawi1) November 2, 2016
I tried my best to take the club to the next level but unfortunately it did not work out. #nffc
- @FAWAZ_ALHASAWI (@fawaz_alhasawi1) November 2, 2016
I hope that after the new takeover things would turn out as planned. #nffc
- @FAWAZ_ALHASAWI (@fawaz_alhasawi1) November 2, 2016
At the end of the day I will always remain a supporter to this legendary football club. Wishing you all the best.#nffc
- @FAWAZ_ALHASAWI (@fawaz_alhasawi1) November 2, 2016
The potential takeover is thought to be worth around £50 million. The bid needs to be ratified by the English Football League, and an Owners' and Directors' Test would have to be passed for Moores, and his long-time business partner Noell, to finally end their search for a British club following unsuccessful attempts with Everton and Swansea.
During Al-Hasawi's tenure, Forest have lurched from one controversy to another under his stewardship, with the Kuwaiti businessman overseeing a succession of managers, late payments of bills to other clubs, agents and suppliers, as well as winding up orders.
Supporters called for him to leave during last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Reading, which was a sixth loss in the last eight league matches and left Forest 20th in the Championship table.
Such form might leave current manager Philippe Montanier, appointed over the summer, vulnerable under the prospective new owners and the Frenchman will be desperate for only a second win in 11 Championship games when his side host Queens Park Rangers at the City Ground this weekend.
Moores is the former owner of Major League Baseball franchise the San Diego Padres.