REPORTS suggest a group led by American businessman Bill Foley is in pole position to purchase Cherries, according to the Athletic.

Foley, who is majority owner of the National Hockey League side Las Vegas Golden Knights, has reportedly entered exclusive talks to purchase Cherries.

The same report claims current owner Max Demin is looking to recoup the £150million he has lent the club in interest free loans during his 11-year stint at the Vitality Stadium.

Chairman of one of the US’ largest insurance companies, Fidelity National Financial, Foley also owns 70 per cent of Las Vegas’ first major league franchise, helping to bring the Golden Knights into existence in 2017.

Bloomberg had previously reported that US firm Montminy & Co had been tasked with finding potential new owners, with a view of tempting American-based investors.

The Athletic had also reported that the club had been up for sale on-and-off over the past four years, whilst stating that in recent weeks several groups had inquired, but none had gotten as far as Foley’s consortium.

When asked about reports of Demin looking to sell the club by the Daily Echo earlier this week, the club declined to comment.