A DEAL has been reached which will see Swindon Town taken over by a consortium led by Jed McCrory subject to Football League approval, the Advertiser understands.

It is believed that the new owners and the current board, led by Andrew Black, will hold joint responsibility in the running of the club until the deal is ratified by the authorities.

It remains unclear whether or not funds will be available to manager Paolo Di Canio in this transfer window, but the Adver has learnt that meetings will taken place today and tomorrow in order to try to secure it.

The new owners' aim is believed to be Championship football as soon as possible, but in the short-term their arrival ensures stability at the club.