AMERICANS CLOSING IN ON TANNADICE TAKEOVER

DUNDEE UNITED are on the brink of being taken over by American owners — with the deal set to be ratified in the coming week.

Sportsmail understands talks between the Tannadice club and the consortium are now at an advanced stage, with only a few matters to be ironed out before the move is made official. The Americans, who are distinct from the U.S. group who were in talks with former chairman Stephen Thompson earlier this year, are believed to have interests in other sports but now want to branch into football in Europe. The move is likely to see chairman Mike Martin relinquish his shareholding and position. But other United

directors are set to stay on board to ensure the club still have Scottish voices among their decision-makers. Boss Robbie Neilson (below) will remain in charge having impressed the group in his short time in charge to date. It’s likely, though, that the structure of the club will change — with a director of football model being mooted. Thompson sold his shares to a consortium including Martin, business Jimmy Fyffe and two unnamed local businessmen in a £500,000 deal in July. But it appears the power base at the club is set to change hands again with the deal now close to being rubber stamped. United face Ayr at Tannadice tonight, able to go level on points at the top with the Championship pacesetters if they win. City rivals Dundee have been under American ownership for the past five years.