CRUNCH talks were continuing last night in an effort to keep Crusaders afloat in Super League.

The future of the Wrexham-based club was plunged into doubt earlier this month when they went into administration with debts thought to be about £1.25 million, most of them inherited from their time in South Wales.

Yesterday chairman Ian Roberts met with the Rugby Football League, represented by chief executive Nigel Wood, in Manchester to discuss saving the club. Joint administrator Peter O’Hara was hoping to reach a positive outcome.

“I need an offer to take the club forward,” said Mr O’Hara, who is still hoping to complete a sale by the end of this month.

The talks are thought to have reached an impasse over the amount of debt the current club are prepared to take on.

Mr Roberts told the leader he was hopeful that good progress could be made in the negotiations as he and business partner Geoff Moss try to regain control of the rugby league team.

The game’s governing body is thought to be a major creditor.

A South Wales-based consortium have also expressed an interest in taking over the club but they have not begun any formal talks.

Crusaders have begun pre-season training under new head coach Iestyn Harris and have been included in the 2011 fixture list.