Juan Sartori pic - YouTube

OXFORD United takeover talks are at a critical but advanced stage.

The Oxford Mail understands a firm offer has been made to U’s chairman Darryl Eales by Juan Sartori.

And the fact the Uruguayan businessman is set to meet stadium landlord Firoz Kassam in Monaco in the next 24 hours to discuss the ground shows the process is gathering pace.

It is not inconceivable a deal for United could be struck by the end of the month.

The Oxford Mail exclusively revealed in March that Mr Sartori and a separate Chinese consortium had expressed desire in taking control of the Sky Bet League One club.

The interest from China has cooled, but that is not the case with Mr Sartori, the 36-year-old son-in-law of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.

United chairman Mr Eales – who was unavailable for comment – told the Oxford Mail in March he had received an initial email expressing interest.

But the U’s owner was coy over the approach, saying such enquiries were common-place.

Speaking at the end of March, Mr Eales said: “I would say it’s happened at least 25 times in the last two years.

“In the last six months I’ve spoken to two Chinese people and one Malaysian.”

But it has since become clearer the interest is credible, with Mr Sartori watching United’s home game with Bolton Wanderers on March 21 from an executive box.

The duo swapped more emails, before speaking on the phone. They then met around 10 days ago for the first time.

It is understood after that meeting an offer was made to Mr Eales.

A quick resolution to any discussions are crucial.

When Mr Eales took over the club from Ian Lenagan in July 2014, he admitted the following summer the timing of gaining control was anything but ideal.

He said: “If you’re going to buy a football club, do it towards the back end of the season, or very early after the end of it.

“Otherwise you miss the planning of getting in the players you want and then you’re behind the eight ball.”

It appears significant Mr Sartori is keen to also speak with Mr Kassam on trying to reach an agreement on the stadium which bears his name.

The relationship between club and landlord have been strained for some time and Mr Sartori is seemingly keen to see if there is a deal to be done which can marry the two together, giving United more – or complete – control over their home ground.

Mr Sartori’s father-in-law is the chairman of Champions League semi-finalists AS Monaco and in figures compiled by Forbes, the American business magazine, was ranked 190th on a list of the world’s richest men with an estimated worth of around $7.3 billion.

If a deal can be struck, it is not certain whether the U’s chairman will remain at the club in some capacity or if he would relinquish all control.

Since taking charge, Mr Eales has overseen a dramatic rise in fortunes for United, including a promotion, two trips to Wembley and a number of victories over higher-ranked teams in cup competitions. Last season United finished eighth in League One, their highest position since 1998/99.