MICHAEL Wilde is on the brink of calling an EGM to settle the off-field crisis at Saints.

The Jersey-based businessman is locked in talks with Saints chairman Rupert Lowe to negotiate a peaceful way forward.

However, Wilde is coming under mounting pressure from fellow investors to call an EGM.

They believe the only way to remove Lowe is to call an EGM of the PLC board of Southampton Leisure Holdings, Saints' parent company.

If he called the EGM this week, the earliest it could take place is after June 1 - the date set for the EGM of Saints' football board and the almost certain removal of directors Keith Wiseman, Ian Gordon and Brian Hunt from it.

Wilde has been in discussions with Lowe for several weeks after strengthening his powerbase by buying shares from four directors - the above-mentioned three and Paul Thompson.

Though many people expected an EGM to be called once Saints were clear of relegation worries, Wilde remains hopeful that he can sweet-talk Lowe into a deal, which would avoid the negative publicity of an EGM.

Wilde currently holds 24.75 per cent of the total shares - either from having bought them or having them proxied to him by the likes of the family of former Saints president John Corbett and club legend Lawrie McMenemy.

The news that an EGM is in the offing was welcomed last night by Saints' second largest shareholder, New Forest-based businessman Leon Crouch.

Crouch said: "Michael Wilde is running out of time.

"He is starting to lose some of his support from the fans and those who have helped him with shares."

Crouch added: "If Mr Wilde does call the EGM I don't think it will actually take place.

"Rupert Lowe should realise he won't be able to fight it and should step down.

"I don't think anybody really wants an EGM - it would be bad for the club."