MediaNews Group, headed by Dean Singleton (left), says that a delay in its purchase of the Mercury News, Contra Costa Times and other former Knight Ridder newspapers may jeopardize its ability to complete financing for acquiring the newspapers, according to a report in today’s Mercury News. The newspapers are currently in the hands of McClatchy Co., which bought Knight Ridder but decided to sell 12 of its 32 dailies to reduce its debt, including the Merc, CCTimes, Monterey Herald and St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press. MediaNews said in court papers: “Simply put, the newspapers will languish under temporary ownership.” A federal judge will decide tomorrow whether to issue Clint Reilly’s request to delay the sale. (See item below.)