Louis Tomlinson 'almost there' as One Direction singer looks to complete Doncaster takeover

Image rights negotiations have slowed the deal

Louis Tomlinson arrives for his Doncaster Rovers debut (PA)

Doncaster's former chairman John Ryan is hopeful his joint takeover of the club with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson will be completed this week.

Rovers have twice been forced to postpone official announcements of the takeover due to complex negotiations over Tomlinson's image rights.

But Ryan, who ended his 15-year association with the South Yorkshire club in November, told Press Association Sport that protracted talks between the club and Tomlinson's legal team could be drawing to a conclusion.

"I can't confirm anything just yet," he said. "I think it's nearly there. We're still waiting to hear if it has been completed, but I anticipate it will be very soon.

"We're very hopeful it will be done this week."

The club and Tomlinson had been hoping to make a formal announcement last Wednesday after a press conference planned for the previous Friday at Wembley had been postponed.

Tomlinson's management team own his image rights and are entitled to money made from use of the singer's name or image.

They believe that interest in the club will increase if Tomlinson's joint takeover goes ahead and it is understood they want a share of any extra revenue made through merchandise and extra ticket sales.

Doncaster-born Tomlinson, 22, is currently on a world tour with One Direction, which has dates in Denmark and France scheduled for this week.

The club confirmed at the end of last month that they were in talks with Tomlinson's representatives about a possible takeover.

Tomlinson is a lifelong fan of the club, relegated to Sky Bet League One last season, and is also registered as a player for Rovers, appearing for the club's reserve team in February.