SOUTHEND United’s takeover deal is no closer to be completed, Echosport understands.

Current Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin had been confident the consortium headed up by Justin Rees would officially be in control of the National League club by mid-May.

But the transaction will not be completed within that time-frame due to two outstanding conditions.

Southend on Sea City Council are continuing their due diligence over plans for the housing at Fossetts Farm while CBRE, the funder of the Martins on behalf of a pension fund, have yet to consent to the payment structure for Roots Hall refurbishment required under the deal.

However, even when that does happen, it is understood that another two weeks of council processes will need to be carried out before the deal can officially be sealed.

The consortium continue to fund the club and paid April’s wages and VAT to take their outlay to £3.5million since agreeing terms with Martin for the sale of the Shrimpers back in October.

The latest delay will concern Blues supporters as the club are due back in the High Court on Wednesday May 15 to face another winding up petition.

The petition, issued by Stewart’s Law, was adjourned for four weeks after a court hearing last month.

The Echo have been informed that the consortium and Martin will work together to seek a further adjournment.

The consortium said: “We remain frustrated with the continuous delays surrounding the closure of the sale and would encourage the Council and CBRE to complete their remaining processes with greater urgency.”