London Wasps said they are in advanced stages of talks with four parties interested in buying the club.

Since Steve Hayes put the club up for sale some months ago there have been many expressions of interest. Discussions are now focused on the final four groups who have all demonstrated they are financially capable of completing a deal and supporting the club effectively going forward," the Wasps said on their website on Friday.

No details of any of the four parties will be disclosed before any deal has been completed but Wasps say the process is near completion.

Hayes has reiterated that the most important factor in the final decision will be the ability of any buyer to offer the club, which is suffering its worst run in a quarter of a century, "a sustainable and successful future".

"At this time of change it is more important than ever that everyone connected with London Wasps rallies in their support for Dai Young, his coaching team and of course the players," the club added.