There have been more than 30 expressions of interest from around the globe,.

However, the status of Lancashire businessman Geoff Sheard's potential bid remains unclear.

Wednesday moved yesterday to scotch suggestions that a deal is close. A spokesman said: "We can confirm we do not expect any news for some weeks. Deloitte are still sifting expressions of interest and verifying the parties involved."

This is the strongest indication yet that the club could move into a new season without a buyer to inject fresh funding. Wednesday's Board and former Directors Dave Allen and Keith Addy, two of the three men who hold 30% of the club between them, are no longer directly involved in the process.

Deloitte are acting as a screen to vet serious interest and filter out those who do not have the requisite backing.

Sheard has been guarded about the source of funding for his approach but will have to reveal this, albeit privately to Deloitte, to advance his hopes.

All interested parties who have contacted Deloitte have been investigated as a first measure. When their credentials are deemed to be legitimate they are sent information about the club's finances.
The next stage is a decision on whether or not to submit a formal offer.

Rumours have been rife for some time but Wednesday's announcement today will subdue them, for a while at least.

The continuing hold-up is bound to be a source of frustration for fans but any takeover is a complicated issue and confirmation of widespread interest suggests it is only a matter of time before Wednesday can find suitable backers.