Bartlett prepared to relinquish all his ties with Tigers

The two East Riding-based businessmen shook hands on a deal with Russell Bartlett last month over the sale of the club.

Under the terms, Bartlett was set to retain a 20 per cent shareholding but it is understood that talks have taken place since then that will lead to the total relinquishing of his stake in the Tigers.

It means that when the sale is concluded, the father and son pair will have 100 per cent control of the Championship outfit and bring to an end Bartlett's involvement at the KC Stadium after three-and-a-half eventful years.

Head of football operations Adam Pearson will continue in his role and work closely with the Allams, who have paid 833,000 into a holding account with their solicitors to guarantee a HM Revenue and Customs bill can be met once the sale is completed.

Leeds United loanee Andy O'Brien has admitted it is unlikely that Bolton Wanderers will offer him a new contract once his existing deal runs out this summer.

The 31-year-old joined United towards the end of October and has made a huge impact by helping Simon Grayson's side embark on a seven-game unbeaten run.

Former Bradford City defender O'Brien said: "I won't be surprised if they (Bolton) don't offer me another contract. Although I feel I am playing well here, I don't think my progress will have any bearing on my future at Bolton."

The former Bradford, Newcastle and Republic of Ireland defender joined Wanderers in 2007 and has made 68 Premier League starts for the Lancashire club.

Bolton's apparent reluctance to offer O'Brien a new contract could open the door for Leeds to make a concerted bid to keep O'Brien at Elland Road beyond the expiry date of his current loan deal on January 4.

Leeds have refuted a story that appeared in the South African Times claiming Davide Somma was due to join Swansea City on loan. A spokesman said: "We can confirm this story is totally incorrect."

Sheffield Wednesday are still waiting to discover when their

FA Cup tie against Bristol City will take place.

The Owls were handed a trip to Ashton Gate in the third round draw nine days ago but with Bristol Rovers due to host Hartlepool United on January 8, it means the tie could be put back 24 hours to 3pm on the Sunday.

A further complication is that Hartlepool are involved in a second round replay against Yeovil Town a week tonight and if the North East club win it will mean their League One visit to Bristol does not go ahead, leaving the Saturday free for Wednesday's own Cup tie in the city.