It is the latest twist in the takeover saga that has surrounded the football club for the past 18 months.

Stags owner Keith Haslam is already negotiating on two firm offers for the club, through his chief executive Stephen Booth.

And yesterday Mr Booth told Chad: "As I said last week I am cautiously optimistic and things are moving on. I am hopeful we may get a resolution in the next couple of weeks.

Heritage

"Different potential bids are at different stages, one is more advanced than the others.

"I can confirm that I have had no direct contact with anyone from America. And I stress that we are not necessarily looking for the highest bidder, but rather we want to make sure that the heritage of Mansfield Town FC is safeguarded as far as possible — ensuring in part some long-term continuity."

The American businessmen — who have yet to formally make contact with the football club — are based in the Midwest in the States and have asked to remain anonymous at this time.

Their spokesman told Chad that the plans are still at a preliminary stage, but they were considering a proposal for both the club and also Field Mill.

Some of the investors have a 'big experience' in football, according to the spokesman with whom Chad has been in contact over recent weeks.

The businessman has been watching the fortunes of the Stags for several years and has visited the town in the past — where his sister-in-law used to live.

Tradition

He told Chad: "I have been following the Stags for years and when I saw that they just keep on struggling, year after year, I started looking into the team. I love the history and tradition of Mansfield Town FC.

"At that point I felt I wanted to help and do something for Mansfield. That is when I decided to look into buying the club."

If successful, the spokesman said he intended to relocate to Mansfield to run the Stags.

He admitted: "It will take time and money to turn this club around. We would put in the initial infusion of money and try to stabilise it.

"My first priority is to get the support of the fans and build a strong relationship with them. I want to be involved in the community in any way possible. The fans are very important to this club and we need them.

"We also need support from the sponsors. It is so important to have corporate sponsorship. I want to develop relationships with local businesses and further afield."

The group's plans include a possible redevelopment at Field Mill - with the aim of securing promotion to League One in the short-term.