Maidstone United co-owners Terry Casey and Oliver Ash have agreed outline terms to sell a controlling interest in the National League South club.

Casey and Ash announced the development in their long-running search for investors in a board of directors update released on the club website.

The pair, who have owned Maidstone since 2010, revealed there had been a “fresh wave of investor interest” in recent weeks.

And they’ve moved a step closer to completing a deal with “experienced football club owners”.

“The sale of any business is complex, and football clubs bring their own unique challenges,” said Casey and Ash.

“The process has taken longer than we initially hoped, but we believe it is now moving in a positive direction.

“Throughout this journey we have spoken with a number of interested parties. As is often the case in football, not every opportunity has proved suitable.

“We have remained focused on finding the right long-term partner for the club rather than simply the quickest solution.

“Our objective is to secure investment that can genuinely accelerate Maidstone United’s progress, bringing additional financial strength, strategic expertise and ambition, while building on the solid foundations established since 2010.

“Having spent the past 16 years rebuilding and refinancing the club, and developing the Gallagher Stadium from the ground up, we recognise the responsibility we carry on behalf of our supporters and community. It is one we take extremely seriously.

“In recent weeks, we have received a fresh wave of investor interest and have chosen to focus our discussions on one group in particular, whose people are experienced football club owners.

“Outline terms have now been agreed for the sale of a controlling interest in Maidstone United.

“As part of that process, the prospective investors are undertaking detailed financial, legal and operational due diligence. This is entirely normal in transactions of this nature, although it can be both complex and time-consuming.

“While discussions remain confidential, we are hopeful that, if progress continues as expected, we will be in a position to share further news before the end of the year.”