ALASTAIR Saverimutto is confident his negotiations can lead to a “long-term gain” for Cherries – despite takeover developments slowing yesterday.

The club’s chief executive and co-owner confirmed he had been in lengthy talks with a Middle Eastern consortium interested in acquiring the Dorset club.

And despite Cherries fans being left on tenterhooks as fresh news dried up, Saverimutto revealed he is positive the deal he is working on will come to fruition.

Speaking to the Echo last night, he said: “I remain confident that my negotiations with the representatives of the group from the Middle East are positive and productive.

“Where they have slowed down, they slowed down as a result of legalities in concluding a deal of this magnitude.

“But I remain confident we can get to the finishing line.”

Saverimutto also expressed his gratitude to the club’s staff, some of whom have not received their wages, while a number of the players’ salary cheques were not honoured by their banks.

“I understand how difficult it is for everyone involved and working at the club because people are having to wait for payments,” said Saverimutto.

“But given the climate we’re currently in - and the magnitude of this deal - I believe the long-term gain is around the corner.

“I’d still like to thank people for hanging in there.”

Co-owner Paul Baker, who has made no secret of his desire to sell his share in the Dean Court outfit, last night said he was still awaiting proof of funds and a letter of intent from the Middle East group.

He admitted Friday had been a frustrating day, saying: “We’re all being very patient but we recognise there has to be closure as soon as humanly possible.

“But we’re waiting on people coming back to us and until we get that we can’t do anything about it.”

Former Cherries director Adam Murry, who is understood to have the backing of ex-chairman Jeff Mostyn, is also interested and ready to take over at the helm immediately.

Meanwhile, a member of Cherries’ squad told the Echo that the in-form side will carry on as normal, despite some of the team not receiving their wages.

The player said: “We’re in such an important position in the league that we can’t let something like this affect us. Of course we’re disappointed but it happens in every walk of life, not just football.

“The boys know all about the club’s financial position and we know things aren’t too fruitful.

"We know there are not a lot of funds available and it is not just affecting the players because everyone who works at the club is in the same position.

“We know times are tough but we’ve got to stick together through thick and thin. The most important thing from the players’ point of view is going out and concentrating on beating Port Vale. I’m sure everything else will sort itself out very soon.”