An MP says two parties are interested in buying Bury FC as the football club prepares to face a winding-up petition again in court today.
Bury North MP James Frith has written a letter to the judge to ask for an adjournment.
He said he believes 'there is a reasonable prospect of change in ownership'.
The owner of Bury FC - one of the oldest football clubs in English football - put the club up for sale in April, less than six months after he took over.
Winding-up petitions have been heard at the Insolvency and Companies Court in London, with the last hearing in May adjourned until today.
Read more of today's stories here
They were brought by HM Revenue and Customs over unpaid taxes and other petitioners said to be owed money by the club.
Players released a joint statement after the last hearing claiming they had gone without wages for 12 weeks and urging owner Steve Dale to sell before the club is brought 'to its knees'.
Mr Frith and Bury South MP Ivan Lewis have since held discussions with Mr Dale.
In his letter to the judge Mr Frith said: "I am aware of at least two live considerations to buy the club with both interested parties having signed NDAs (non disclosure agreements) as part of this commitment to progress.
"I have liaised in my capacity as MP with one who approached me and with those in contact with the other.
"This hop of a buyer for the club, one of the oldest in English football, has emerged following the course of action made possible by the court's previous judgement to adjourn.
Read more of today's top stories here
"In short, I believe there is a reasonable prospect of change in ownership should you grant further time on this matter."
Mr Lewis MP meanwhile said he had had further discussions with the owner.
Writing on Facebook, he said he was optimistic today's hearing would be adjourned 'pending an agreed financial settlement'.
"This would guarantee the clubs survival," he said.
"Clearly, the judge will make the final decision but I'm hopeful of a positive outcome.
"We will be then in a better position to assess next steps including plans for next season and the future of the club."
Mr Dale bought the Gigg Lane club - now promoted to League One - and took over as chairman from former owner Stewart Day last November.
The Cheshire businessman said the club was 'in serious trouble' when he took over and that 'turned out to be far in excess of what we could have comprehended'.
Manager Ryan Lowe and coach Steven Schumacher left Bury earlier this month after securing promotion and have gone on to Plymouth Argyle.
Vice-captain Nicky Adams also left for Northampton Town.
