Alan Hardy all but ends Notts County takeover interest as Ray Trew reportedly meets Chinese bidders

Alan Hardy has released a statement where he heavily hints at having pulled out of a takeover bid for Notts County.

The chief executive of the Paragon Group last week submitted a 'substantial' written offer, which is understood to have fallen short of owner Ray Trew's valuation.

With Trew said to have completed a deal in principle with an American group, Hardy said he is prepared to step aside as 'an alternative buyer, who can provide a better future for the club' closes in.

He explained: "The one thing Ray Trew and I have firmly in common is that we both want the best for Notts County Football Club.

"Together with an executive team, I've been working hard to try and get a mutually beneficial deal agreed so that we can see the club move forward in a positive manner.

"At the same time I've been developing a plan to deal with the short, medium and long-term future of the club, ensuring that the loyal supporters can focus on activities on the pitch, confident that matters off it are being effectively managed in a responsible, sustainable manner.

"I've been overwhelmed by the encouragement that I've received from the supporters of the club during the last few months.

"My passion for the club and the desire to see it succeed remains as strong as ever.

"I am however a realist and a successful businessman and only make decisions based upon sound, rational judgement.

"I've already said publicly on one occasion that if Mr Trew has an alternative buyer, who can provide a better future for the club and the supporters, then I will do the right thing and end my interest in the club.

"It appears that we are rapidly reaching that point and on that basis I wish the club and everyone involved with it the very best of luck.

"I have a burning desire to be involved in professional football and will shortly be discussing other opportunities that have been identified to me."

Trew reportedly also met with a Chinese consortium on Tuesday for talks over taking over the club.

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