SWINDON Town manager Paolo Di Canio yesterday met with members of the consortium set to take over at the County Ground, as the sale of the club edges closer to completion.

The Robins boss cancelled his customary pre-match Thursday press conference, citing “prior commitments” as the reason, to attend the meeting - during which the new investors’ plans for the future of the club are believed to have been discussed. It was the first time he had met personally with the prospective new board.

Di Canio last week revealed that he is considering his position at Town, following the turbulent events of the past fortnight, suggesting he has been working in a “hostile environment” for several months.

The Italian is understood to be looking for assurances from the incoming owners that they will back him in his plan to deliver Championship football to Swindon within the next 18 months.

The takeover is expected to be completed in time for the visit of Hartlepool on Saturday, and could even be finalised before the end of today, with a five-strong consortium awaiting Football League ratification before they assume control at the County Ground.

As and when the League give their approval Swindon should be able to register new players, but the Advertiser understands the Robins may now have missed the chance to sign winger Danny Green on loan from Charlton.

Green agreed terms with Town on transfer deadline day and was poised to join Di Canio’s side until the end of the season, alongside Marlon Pack and Bradley Wright-Phillips, only for the Football League to block the move.

Cheltenham midfielder Pack is still expected to make the switch to Swindon, with Luke Rooney going in the opposite direction, but the Adver has learnt that Green could be off elsewhere.

MK Dons are believed to still be interested in the former Dagenham man.