KEVIN Davies is hoping new ownership at Wanderers can mend a club that has “lost its soul”.

With takeover talks now reaching a final stage – and some predicting an announcement could be made by the end of the week – worried ex-club captain Davies is keen to see the Whites get back on track as quickly as possible.

The former England striker, who made more than 400 appearances in a decade at the club, has watched financial problems stack up at the Macron Stadium since his departure in the summer of 2013.

But with Eddie Davies now stating that he will wipe off all the loans owed to him when he sells up – a sum estimated by the insolvency expert Trevor Birch at around £185million – Davies is looking forward to seeing Wanderers return to some of the values they had when he represented the club.

"It's gone away from the club it used to be," he told BBC North West Tonight.

"I've been concerned for a while. From when I was there it's gone a bit sterile, the fans don't feel part of the club any more and it's just lost its soul."

Two bids, fronted by former players Stelios Giannakopoulos and Dean Holdsworth have attracted public attention, while it has been speculated that other offers are also on the table.

Davies is convinced that each bid will be vetted well and that Eddie Davies will make a decision to sell based on the best fit for Wanderers.

"It's not about him getting the best deal and the most money, it's about securing and leaving the club in good hands,” he said.

"I think it's something he'll take his time over, but I think the plan is to get the deal done before Christmas."

Meanwhile, Wanderers have been given first refusal on 19-year-old keeper Dan Lavercombe, of Torquay United.

The cash-strapped Conference club are keen to get an answer on the Devon-born youngster, who has spent a week on trial at Euxton.

“The reports I've had is that he's done very well up there. They're very keen on him so we'll wait and see," said Gulls boss Kevin Nicholson.

“He's attracted interest off one or two clubs and Bolton have got first go at it if they want.

“He's got the build, he's got the physique, he's still developing physically. But the most impressive thing for me is his character, how calm he is.”