The deal allowing the supporters to take over Stockport County could be on the verge of collapse with less than a week to go before the handover.

The deal between Cheshire Sports and the Stockport County Supporters Trust is hanging in the balance - and the only person who can break the deadlock is former Chairman Brendan Elwood.

Current owners Cheshire Sports to date have been unable to gain the required sanction of Mr Elwood, which is mandatory for the deal to proceed.

The Trust’s chief negotiator Dan Levy said: “We still need the green light from Brendan Elwood – but so far we have had no response to our numerous attempts to contact him. As a result, the deadline of July 1 could be postponed because of one man.

“Cheshire Sports have continued to play fair by the Trust and have also been frustrated in their attempts to broker this deal. But we are not prepared to proceed without assurances over the future ownership of Edgeley Park. The case studies of York City and Wrexham have demonstrated how dangerous it can be to take over a football club, without having an option on the ground.”

Cheshire Sports owner Brian Kennedy is desperately trying to arrange a meeting with Mr Elwood and the Trust early next week, but time is running out and this last-minute delay could seriously harm the plans of manager Chris Turner as he prepares to take his side into the new season.

Trust Chairman Norman Beverley said: “Everybody want s this deal to proceed – Stockport Council, Supporters Direct, Cheshire Sport, the Trust, the main sponsors and, most importantly, the fans. We would urge Mr Elwood to come forward and give us the assurances we need to go ahead with the takeover. But at the moment, the whole deal is in serious danger of collapsing.”