A consortium featuring former Football League chairman Keith Harris has submitted an offer to buy Portsmouth.
Administrators PFK confirmed the new development a week before a High Court hearing due to determine whether the League One club can be sold to the Portsmouth Supporters' Trust.
The new consortium, comprising Harris, investment banker Pascal Najadi and professional investor Alan Hitchins, says it is willing to offer the PST "a stakeholding and participation" if its bid is successful.
PFK partner Trevor Birch said: "We believe this offer is worthy of consideration and could be completed without the need for a court case.
"As officers of the court, the administrators are charged with securing the best return for all creditors and therefore have to consider the offer.
"We will need to discuss the terms of the deal with the PFA and the Football League and also plan to consult the creditors' committee as a matter of urgency. We will provide an update as soon as we have further news."
The PST had an offer provisionally accepted by PFK last year but have been unable to agree a price with former owners Portpin for the club's Fratton Park home.
The PST hopes the High Court hearing - three times adjourned already and now set for 14 February - will force Portpin to lower their fixed asking price and pave the way for a takeover.
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Pope, who has scored 27 goals so far this season, was set to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign but has committed his future to the League Two leaders.
"I think everyone can recognise the contribution of Tom this season, both as a goalscorer and through his hard work for the team," said Vale manager Micky Adams.
"That contribution has been rightly rewarded and I welcome the opportunity to work with him for the remainder of this season and beyond."
Stoke-on-Trent-born Pope, 27, added: "I've made no secret of my desire to stay and I'm really pleased we have come to an agreement on a new deal.
"I know people have been talking about my goal tally this season but I think that's down to the style we play and how all of the players work for each other.
"The gaffer has put a lot of faith in me and I'm really pleased I have been able to repay that faith by committing to the club for a further term."
