King's Lynn Stars' chiefs are still crossing their fingers that they can secure Niels-Kristian Iversen's return to the club.

The Norfolk Arena outfit's hierarchy announced last week that Iversen's place in the Stars' 2013 line-up was tantalisingly close to being completed.

However, the Dane's chances of featuring for Lynn on loan for a third season in a row are still up in the air as his parent club, rivals Peterborough Panthers, continue to delay the completion of the deal.

The matters looks set to be passed on to the British Speedway Promoters' Association's management committee who will have to decide the Grand Prix ace's future if an agreement between the two club's can't be reached.

Stars team boss Rob Lyon said last night: 'It's still a waiting game. It's a sensitive issue but as far as I'm aware it could soon become a BSPA decision. It's out of our hands. Hopefully it will all be sorted soon.'

Panthers' management have still not responded to claims made at Lynn's supporters' meeting seven days ago that they were blocking the move and are only prepared to sell the 30-year-old on a full transfer.

Despite being owned by their A47 rivals, Lynn are still hopeful the three-time World Cup winner will ride at Saddblebow Road again next season - especially as Iversen has made it publically clear he wishes to remain with the Stars.

The Dane, who enjoyed a sensational campaign as Lynn's number one last term, has even told a host of media - including BBC Radio Norfolk - that if he can't ride for the Stars he doesn't want to ride in England.

Co-promoter Jonathan Chapman, speaking at last Wednesday's forum when Lynn announced six of their 2013 side, said: 'We have got a back-up plan, but we don't want to be using it.

'We're desperate for Niels to return. He loves the club dearly. In all our years of speedway, even in the Premier League – the likes of Chris Mills and Tomas Topinka who bleed Lynn from the heart – this guy is up there with them all. He absolutely loves this club.

'Unfortunately we're not in the position to splash the cash on him, as well as Rory (Schlein), with all the other things that are happening. He's a guy we're all fond of and he's been with us for two seasons. We're absolutely desperate to welcome him back as our number one.'

Iversen was bought by Peterborough in the winter of 2005 and won the Elite League with them in 2006. He also rode for the Panthers in 2007, 2009 and 2010.