Lerner, 44, flew home last Wednesday after discussions with Ellis and was understood to be upset at the response he received in talks about a potential deal. But he is though to have returned to the negotiating table and will make an official offer to buy out Doug Ellis within days. O'Neill is the favoured choice of chairman Ellis and Lerner, as well as local businessman Michael Neville, who has also put together a takeover consortium and has so far submitted the only firm bid.
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