Swansea City have confirmed that they are in talks with two American businessmen regarding the purchase of a controlling stake in the club.

Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien are the pair in question, who both have a history of sporting interest back in their homeland.

A statement released by Swansea said that the club are keen to conclude the talks before the season ends next month.

Chairman and vice-Chairman to remain if stake is bought

The club confirmed that current Chairman and vice-Chairman, Huw Jenkins and Leigh Dineen, will remain in their current management leadership roles at the Liberty Stadium even if a deal is struck.

Jenkins himself told the club's official website that he and his team "believe" that the "proposal" from Kaplan and Levien can "help Swansea City progress both on and off the field," and so it is no surprise that they are keen to get a final decision within the next month.

It's been a rocky campaign in the Premier League for the Swans, but the ship seems to have been steadied in recent months and, off the back of a win over Chelsea that all-but ensures safety, they can now start to look ahead to the future and next season.

Who are the interested party?

It is a party headed by Kaplan and Levien who are interested in working with Swansea, two men who have invested in various sporting clubs back in their home country of America.

Kaplan, first and foremost, has bought shares in NBA team Memphis Grizzlies, but it is Levein who has the extensive sporting background.

The current managing general owner of Major League Soccer side DC United, Levein has also been involved with the Grizzlies in a similar role, and the same goes for Philadelphia 76ers, another NBA team.

The 43-year-old was previously an NBA agent, which explains his interest in basketball. He also acts as an advisor to Inter Milan president Erick Thohir, who co-owns DC United with him.

Levein (right) has plenty of experience in the sporting world after several business adventures in it. (Photo: LARRY KUZNIEWSKI)
Levein (right) has plenty of experience in the sporting world after several business adventures in it. (Photo: Larry Kuzniewski)
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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]