London Irish have given the clearest indication yet that they expect to be playing in the Premiership next season after it emerged that they are still trying to strengthen their squad.
Blindside has been told that they have made enquiries for a couple of players in the last week despite a takeover of the club by an American consortium still not being completed.
But we understand that the delay has been caused by an American bank demanding more paperwork before releasing the funds needed to complete the deal.
A source has told us that they believe the paperwork has been completed, and the fund will be transferred over the weekend, with the Bank Holiday unlikely to cause a delay.
Irish have been given until Tuesday by the RFU to complete the deal, or they won't be allowed to take their place in the Premiership next season, and even if the deal goes ahead, it's unlikely to be the end of their problems.
We understand they have been given notice to quit the Brentford Community Stadium by their landlords, which will leave them needing to find another ground to play, most likely at the end of next season.
The Exiles prospective owners, as we reported earlier in the year, have had talks with AFC Wimbledon about a potential ground share at Plough Lane.
