National League round-up: Chesterfield takeover latest, Barrow loan West Bromwich Albion youngster Jamie Soule and Wrexham manager Dean Keates plays down relegation talk

Jamie Soule of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring a goal during the Premier League 2 match between West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland at The Hawthorns. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

The Spireites have suffered another nightmare season in the National League as they currently sit a point from safety in the fifth tier relegation zone with a third relegation in four years looming.

Trust Chairman Mike Goodwin said in an official statement: “Detailed business plans are in place after completing due diligence and we are now looking to proceed with the purchase of the football club.

“We are awaiting final confirmation from our funding partners after the funding was agreed in principle.

“I would like to thank Ashley Carson for his valued help and co-operation. [Current Chesterfield owner] Dave Allen’s assistance in helping us get to this stage should also be recognised.”

A further statement is expected to be issued in due course.

Chesterfield, like fellow National League strugglers Wrexham, will be hoping only the bottom three sides in the division get relegated this season opposed to the usual four.

Following Bury’s EFL expulsion at the start of the season, there have been suggestions that there could be a relegation re-shuffle that means only three teams are relegated from the fifth tier

Wrexham are currently placed two points ahead of the Spireites in the table and Dragons manager Dean Keates isn’t paying too much attention to any potential changes to the relegation format this season.

"What happens with the league and how many get relegated, I can't affect them," Keates told The Leader. "We can't affect them as a group and as a football club. All we need to do is go and win football matches.”

At the opposite end of the table, league leaders Barrow have further strengthened their squad with the loan signing of Jamie Soule from West Bromwich Albion.

The 19-year-old striker has joined the Bluebirds on an initial one-month loan deal after impressing for West Brom’s under-23 side where he was shortlisted for the Premier League 2 player of the month award back in December.

Barrow currently sit four points clear at the top of the National League.