TOWN insist that Andrew Fitton's takeover bid is not stalling, despite reports that last-minute haggling has complicated the deal.

After terms were agreed by the current owners and Fitton's consortium five weeks ago, sources close to negotiations have told the Swindon Advertiser that talks have hit an impasse.

The Advertiser exclusively revealed last week that the Ramsbury-based businessman would buy Town for a pound, and take on the several million pounds worth of debt.

Both parties insist they are still keen to complete the deal, with creditors rapidly running out of patience, but there are fears that any suggested late additions to the terms will scare Fitton off.

Town however told the Advertiser yesterday that Fitton's offer was now in the hands of their lawyers and that the club's owners, as the selling party, were "not at liberty to change it.'' Fitton has already looked into buying the County Ground outfit twice previously and there is concern his third attempt could be thwarted.

Portuguese consortium BEST Holdings' takeover bid collapsed at the 11th hour last month, amid claims the club's owners had inserted a late demand for an extra £8million.

Town denied the claims, insisting the £8m clause originated from the suitors' side, and blamed the collapse on BEST not handing over money they were promised.

The Advertiser understands Fitton remains determined to complete the takeover but, with a serious business background behind him, would quickly walk away if unhappy with negotiations.

With Fitton having already extended his exclusivity period until the end of this month, the Advertiser understands the next few days will be crucial in the club's future.

The Football League are believed to be watching developments with interest, having already slapped a transfer embargo on manager Paul Sturrock, while the Inland Revenue are renowned unsympathetic creditors.

If the terms, revealed by the Advertiser last week, remain as originally agreed, it is understood the deal will complete, but any last-minute amendments would result in another failed takeover.

Town director Bob Holt cautiously insisted that he could "see nothing to stop the deal going forward.'' Holt told the Advertiser last night: "Andrew Fitton made the offer on Friday at 7.15pm, too late for it to get it to our lawyers until Monday.

"The lawyers now have the offer and we are waiting for an opinion from them. We expect that on Wednesday or Thursday. The only person who can change the deal is the buyer.

"As far as we know there are a a few elements of the deal that need to be looked at but that is expected for a deal as complex as this and the lawyers will deal with that.

"I would not suggest the takeover is stalling and that any changes are not dealbreakers.

"I see nothing to stop the deal going forward although I say that with caution because of the complexity of deals like this.

"I didn't see anything in the contract to cause any alarm, if it is stalling in any way it will be because Mr Fitton is stalling for some reason.

"However, I know no reason why Mr Fitton will not go through with the deal and think he will be very good for the club. As I have said before he will be a refreshing change. he is very pragmatic and has a tougher approach to business than this club has been used too.'' The Advertiser tried to contact Fitton, but he was unavailable for comment last night.