Morecambe owner 'not heard from' potential bidder

Morecambe have been up for sale since 2022 and have suffered two relegations in three seasons

Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham said he has "not heard from" bidders Panjab Warriors in the past week over their proposed takeover.

The Shrimps face a noon deadline on Monday to "outline terms that must be met" with the National League contemplating further sanctions on the troubled club.

Talks have been ongoing with Panjab Warriors over a possible takeover for more than a year, with the club initially being put up for sale in 2022, and suffering two relegations in the last two seasons.

In a statement on the club website, Whittingham said: "Despite numerous attempts over the past week to contact Panjab Warriors regarding their offer, and our willingness to complete, we have not heard from them.

"We now urge the Panjab Warriors to make contact in an effort to complete on the sale."

BBC Sport has contacted Panjab Warriors for comment.

A rival bid, from a consortium led by an investor named as Jonny Cato, has also been accepted, but Whittingham said that deal is in limbo.

"It is clear that continual negative press statements impacting on the club, have given them cause for concern and pause," the statement added.

The league said earlier this week it has "serious concerns" about the club's compliance with its rules, having met with Whittingham on Thursday and then having set the deadline for Monday, when their club compliance and licensing committee meet.

Former co-chairman Rod Taylor previously said he fears for the club's existence as the matter drags on, and with the board of directors having resigned in protest at the lack of movement.

Players and staff have only been paid a third of their most recent wages with Tuesday's planned pre-season friendly against Barrow cancelled but Saturday's friendly with AFC Fylde going ahead as planned.