THE long-running Bury Football Club takeover saga has taken another twist with the news that Alex Tarsus has distanced himself from proposed new owners Mansport Developments.

The Yorkshire-based Turkish businessman, whose son Edward is a player at Gigg Lane, was believed to be a part of the Mansport consortium bidding to buy the major shareholding of disgraced former Shakers owner Hugh Eaves.

However, Mr Tarsus has pointed out that he has no connection with the group who have received High Court approval to proceed with the purchase of the 117-year-old club, although he hasn't completely ruled out some involvement in the future.

He said: "I can categorically deny any connection with Mansport.

"But if they are successful in purchasing the shares then they have told me they will offer them to my colleagues and I.

"If the situation regarding the outstanding mortgage is resolved then my colleagues and I will look at the situation separately and may consider purchasing the shares the group are offering.

"But at the moment we are not satisfied with the current situation regarding this mortgage."

The £1 million mortgage taken out on the club's ground has been a major stumbling block to any takeover after the one secured last year by former chairman Terry Robinson went awry when the company it was secured with fell foul of Law Society regulations.

A second consortium involving a group known as 'Nearly Red Management' which involves a Bury FC season ticket holder are believed to be waiting in the wings should the Mansport bid fall through.

The lengthy takeover saga has been dragging on for two years and is having a detrimental effect throughout the Gigg Lane set-up with manager Andy Preece unable to bring in any fresh players to help in the club's Second Division relegation battle.

Long-serving chairman Mr Robinson resigned two weeks ago as a result of the uncertainty and took up a Football Executive post with First Division Sheffield United last week.