WREXHAM FC was up for grabs again last night after businessman Andy Smith failed to clinch a deal.
The Surrey-based property developer insisted he remained keen to buy the League One club.
But owner Alex Hamilton said he was once again open to offers from anyone interested in buying his 78% shareholding in Wrexham and its assets - including the freehold of the Racecourse Stadium.
It is almost a week since the original deadline for Smith to wrap up a deal expired.
Mr Hamilton said administrators had now asked him to negotiate with other interested parties.
The Cheshire property developer added: "Mr Smith's exclusivity deal came to an end on Monday and the club's administrators have asked me today to open up the prospect for discussions with alternative interested parties.
"I am happy to comply with their request.
"There have been at least six expressions of interest - including Mr Smith's - that I can think of and they do not include the bid from Wrexham Supporters' Trust which I have already rejected."
But Mr Hamilton made it clear he still regarded Mr Smith, who runs Woking-based property development firm United Plot-owners Association, as the front-runner.
"Mr Smith may still get to the finishing line first," he added..
"He has shown every intention to get this sorted out and there are a number of questions that he and his backers want answers to.
"But despite his resolve and determination he has yet to come up with everything necessary to conclude the deal."
Mr Smith claimed he was as frustrated as anxious Wrexham fans that the deal had been delayed.
And the businessman said he was still fully committed to rescuing the cash-strapped club and ensuring its future at the Racecourse.
"I will be back in Wrexham shortly to talk to people because
I understand that delays are bound to raise doubts that the deal is going to be concluded. "But it is taking a lot longer than everyone would have anticipated."
Last night, another potential bidder said he was actively considering other possible football-related investments.
But Paul Buttivant, a businessman based in the south of England, added: "We are still very interested in the football club but we are not going to chase Mr Hamilton.
"On the other hand, if we get a call from him, we'll come back to discuss our proposals."
Mr Hamilton has not ruled out the prospect of talking to former Wrexham chairman Mark Guterman, leader of a consortium whose takeover bid was also rejected late last year.
The two former business colleagues are now involved in a long-running High Court battle. But Mr Hamilton insisted on proof of funding from Mr Guterman's backers.
