DAVID Hilton is hopeful his takeover of Bury FC is near to being finalised.

The Nottinghamshire-based businessman’s interest in the stricken Shakers, currently in administration, first came to light when a statement from Ilkeston Town, where he has been an investor, revealed his talks with Steve Dale regarding a takeover had stalled.

Hilton has continued to work on a deal though with his efforts to buy the club coming as phoenix club Bury AFC deny they have made a bid to buy Gigg Lane after speculation online over the weekend.

With a background in property, Hilton’s work at Ilkeston has included helping the Northern Premier League side develop their New Manor Ground.

A statement from the Derbyshire club assured supporters of his ongoing support to deliver on promised projects and proposed the idea of a potential link-up between the two clubs.

A rebuilt Shakers at Gigg Lane could be handed a place in the National League structure, most likely the National League North. And replying to one fan on social media, Hilton wrote: “The deal negotiated is for everything, club, stadium, company and everything else associated with it.

“The negotiations however were with different parties and it’s now with the lawyers to piece it all together.

“An official statement will be released when everything is finalised.”

Hilton has previously called on the Shakers fanbase to come together, lamenting the split that has arisen over both the phoenix club and Forever Bury’s plan to raise funds for a takeover bid.

AFC said on Monday that any suggestion they had bid for the club’s historic home at Gigg Lane was incorrect and would go against the rules and regulations that govern the fan-owned community benefit society set up in the wake of the Shaker’s expulsion from the EFL.

The club also addressed the strong views shared from both sides on social media as the Shakers’ plight continues to be a source of real hurt in the town.

A statement read: “There has been speculation over the weekend regarding the potential purchase of Gigg Lane.

“The Shakers Community board would like to put the record straight and confirm that we have never made any bid to purchase Gigg Lane. Our rules would not permit such actions without a mandate to do so from our members.

“We all feel the pain and despair at what has happened to Bury FC caused by the decisions of previous owners.

“Fans have had their hopes for a rescue of the club raised and dashed innumerable times in the last two years. It is understandable that Bury fans raise questions when someone new comes along.

“The Shakers Community and Bury AFC board defend the right of supporters to respectfully air their views and we refute any speculation that social media criticism has been coordinated by Bury AFC.”

Hilton has worked with business partner Andrew Nally at Ilkeston.

As well as investing in the club’s ground, they been praised by chairman and head of football Mark Clifford for their work developing the academy.

Clifford said: “I have spoken to David regularly throughout this (Bury) negotiation and from the outset, I sought assurances to ensure the ITFC project remains in his plans. Without hesitation, David assured me that the project will be completed as promised.

“One thing that excites me is the potential partnership between ITFC and Bury FC that can be mutually beneficial and we have discussed the possibilities and it’s just another example of how we look to provide pathways and opportunities for players to reach their potential.”

Dale placed the Shakers into administration last month with the club’s affairs being handled by Steven Wiseglass, a director at Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency, who has been appointed administrator.

Wiseglass was previously responsible for the club’s Company Voluntary Agreement, a move by Dale to reduce the club’s debts which defaulted.