That is the hope of chief executive Stephen Booth, who continues to remain tight-lipped over takeover talk at Field Mill.

Chad understands that there has been some movement among at least two of the interested parties in the Stags.

• Aussies in new Stags takeover bid

And Chad recently revealed that Australian businessmen - rebuffed in their bid to buy the club last summer -- were renewing their interest with a group of local businessmen.

There is a second local party involved in talks, while interest has been shown from a third organisation - with rumours persisting of a fourth group from outside the area also being involved in negotiations.

Mr Booth said when he was appointed in December that he expected to be at the club no longer than six months as he stablised the day-to-day running and found a buyer.

All he would say this week was: "A sale is nearer than it was when I came. I hope it is in the next three to four months.

"Nothing has changed, everything is for sale at the right price - the franchise that is Mansfield Town Football Club, Field Mill and the land surrounding the ground."

Mr Booth admits that there is more than one interest in buying the club and chairman James Derry has remained at Field Mill in the hope that he can put together a winning bid.

Two month's ago his consortium's £3m plus offer was turned down by owner Keith Haslam, who then stepped down as chief executive and appointed business troubleshooter Mr Booth.

Talking to 103.2's Tony Delahunty on Sport On Friday, Mr Booth said: "James Derry's statement (made after the Brighton game when he said he didn't expect a sale of the club to go through this season) was wrong to make.

"He accepts that now and that there is a need for confidentiality agreements.

"Everything is subject to total confidentiality . . . I will not have these discussions conducted through the media.

"When this happened last time, the fans felt worse when their hopes were dashed than they had done before the negotiations began.

"That's why no negotiations will be made public until I am satisfied an agreement between the two parties can be fulfilled."