Sale Sharks have set themselves a new deadline to take a major step forward in buying their stadium and revealed a split with sponsor AJ Bell.
The Premiership club are currently in talks to buy the AJ Bell Stadium in a joint bid with Salford City, who are owned by the so-called Class of 92.
Both sides have previously said that nothing would go ahead until Salford Red Devils, who also lease the stadium, have been offered "every opportunity" to find a new home.
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In an open letter to supports, Sale Sharks' chief executive Sid Sutton also revealed that the deal with stadium title sponsor AJ Bell would not continue when the deal is completed.
He added they parties came to a "mutual agreement" and that the club are now "talking to some partners who are interested in joining us".
Mr Sutton said: "The other huge challenge in the last 12 months has been the future of our stadium. Buying the stadium is still crucial to the future of our club.
"Both ourselves and Salford City FC have always said that nothing would go ahead until Salford Red Devils had been offered every opportunity to find a new home and that remains the case.
"We’ve extended our termination date for ending the lease on the stadium until August, that’s our deadline.
"This aligns with Salford City FC’s vision given it takes around 12 months to plan for next season. It’s all going in the right direction but it’s a deal with a lot of parties involved and we have to get it right.
"In terms of the stadium name, we had a nine-year deal with AJ Bell. It’s been a fantastic partnership however we have to be aware of the value of our brand.
"The deal with AJ Bell was a deal with the stadium rather than with Sale Sharks. Whilst they have been a fantastic partner, the time has come to go in a different direction and for us to explore other options. We came to a mutual agreement.
"We absolutely believe that the club is now in a position to challenge for the top four every season. With the acquisition of the stadium with Salford City FC, we want to go out to the open market to find a partner for the stadium. It’s much more than just a chequebook moment.
"We’re currently going through the process of due diligence and talking to some partners who are interested in joining us. This has to be a partner who wants to work with us to create an enhanced fan experience. We want this to be a place where everyone can come and feel welcome and involved."
