Chad understands that Haslam - and his accountant Chris Harrison and chief executive Stephen Booth - have been involved in sale discussions since the Stags' relegation from the Football League last Tuesday.

Previously the club had put the protracted buyout talks - ongoing for 18 months - on hold during the latter stages of the ultimately unsuccessful relegation battle.

Last week the chief executive was contacted by the Australian interest which was once part of the Derry consortium. Now with new backers and the Stags' on-the-field future confirmed, Chad believes they would like to submit a new bid.

Then on Monday Booth - brought to the club to broker a sale - met Colin Hancock. The Glapwell chairman and former Aldershot chief told Chad: "We had a very constructive and positive meeting. Stephen has gone away to construct the substance of our discussion for Keith to consider.

"I am hopeful of a positive conclusion. It is in the interests of everyone at the club — the manager, players and staff - that a deal decision is made very quickly, whoever gets control."

Previously he told Chad, when we reported on his initial interest last month, that he would be sensitive to the club's history, its fans and position in the community.

However, Chad has learned that the maverick businessman John Batchelor believes his offer to be the takeover front runner following meetings with Chris Harrison on Sunday.

He declined to comment about his recent talks — but it is known he has a three-pronged management team ready to move in at Field Mill with a list of players already identified for next season.

A fourth group interested in taking over the Stags is headed by an unamed Mansfield businessman, who met with Haslam on Friday.

It is believed that all these four parties have enquired about initially buying the football club, renting the ground in differing deals - from £60,000 to £100,000 a year - with an option to buy Field Mill, for around £4.25m, at a later date.

However, Chad has learned that Haslam is also talking to two other local businessmen in a deal which would see him retain 30% of the club - at least for an initial period.

And to complete a confusing picture, Chad is also aware of a an investment banking firm from London - a member of the Stock Exchange - which has shown an interest in the club.