Landon Donovan set to become Swansea shareholder - sources

Former United States international Landon Donovan is in advanced negotiations to join the American consortium buying majority control of Premier League side Swansea City, according to industry sources.

Sources told ESPN that Donovan is set to become a minority shareholder and partner in the group led by Memphis Grizzlies vice chairman Steve Kaplan and D.C. United managing general partner Jason Levien that recently struck a deal to secure a controlling interest in Swansea City.

Sources say Donovan will become an adviser to Kaplan and Levien on soccer decision-making as well as the club's commercial matters as part of the arrangement, which represents his first post-playing foray into management.

Donovan has been primarily focused on broadcasting since leaving the game as an active player more than a year ago and, through this move, will rekindle his connection to the Premier League. The 34-year-old remains beloved at Everton thanks to his two loan spells with the Merseyside club.

With Swansea as its new sister club, the Kaplan/Levien takeover has established D.C. United as the third franchise in Major League Soccer to share common ownership with a team in the Prem, joining New York City FC (Manchester City) and the Colorado Rapids (Arsenal).

Donovan retired after the 2014 MLS season as a six-time champion with both the San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy, and ranks as the league's all-time leader in goals (144) and assists (136).

For his country, Donovan also ranks as the United States' all-time leader in goals (57) over his 157 appearances.