READING – Chiron Sports Group is in exclusive talks to buy Reading FC, the troubled English football club owned by the Chinese businessman Dai Yongge, according to people familiar with the situation.

The 150-year-old English football club, based just outside of London, has been mired in financial trouble in recent years. It has been docked a total of 18 points for breaking football’s financial rules under Dai’s ownership, contributing to its demotion into England’s third tier.