PHIL Bartlett believes a deal to sell the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats may be finalised within “weeks” after revealing he has been in talks with a potential suitor.

Outgoing chairman Bartlett is desperate to offload the club and even announced that he was putting it up for sale for just one pound at last week’s Farewell Individual at the Wessex Raceway.

Although unwilling to unmask the identity of the interested party, Bartlett did admit they are local but from a background outside speedway.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “I had a meeting with somebody on Monday about the sale of the club but I can’t disclose any information about who that is until things are further down the line.

“It’s still in the early stages and I imagine it is likely to take weeks, more than days. But it is positive news and a step in the right direction.

“I am waiting for them to get back to me and confirm that they want to go ahead. Until that happens I can’t be sure that it is a done deal. The ball is definitely in their court.”

Despite this development, Bartlett has stressed that other prospective buyers need not be deterred and that he would be receptive to additional offers.

And he also moved to reassure Wildcats’ supporters that the new owner would govern the ailing club in its best interests and attempt to resurrect the glory days.

Bartlett added: “There is nothing to stop anybody else from approaching me about buying the club. I am happy to listen to anyone else who is interested. I’m certainly not counting my chickens just yet.

“It’s been a very frustrating period for me and the fans because we all want this to be sorted as soon as possible, which would be in the best interests of all concerned.

“Whoever does take over from me has to be the right person to take the club forward. Weymouth needs a speedway team but it needs to be run properly.”

James Cockle and Gary Cottham will be bidding for the National League Riders’ Championship crown at Rye House tonight (7pm).