CITY are being linked with a reported American takeover linked with cryptocurrency.

According to the Washington Post, a group of investors plan to buy the club and rely on advanced analytics and unique crypto tokens.

There have been rumours of a possible American interest in the Bantams but it appears to have happened very quickly.

It is no surprise if owner Stefan Rupp has been looking for a way out ever since things started to go downhill under Edin Rahic’s control following the 2017 League One play-off final defeat at Wembley.

But the indications that he would want around £10 million for a club who do not own Valley Parade or the training ground had put off any potential buyers.

The Washington Post reports that the American group, who call themselves WAGMI United, claim to be in the advanced stages of buying an EFL club – understood to be City. They also say a sale could happen within the next month.

Cryptocurrency, an unregulated digital or virtual currency, has become big business within American sport, chiefly basketball – with the sale of digital collectibles.

Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey is reported to be among the group keen on City. It is headed by sports gambling analyst Preston Johnson and co-founder Eben Smith, who has a background in finance.

Businessman Gary Vaynerchuk, chairman of communications company VaynerX, and Tik Tok social media figure Bryce Hall have also been named among those involved.

Johnson said on Twitter: “We’ve been working on this behind the scenes for the last two months. Completely amped.”

Under the WAGMI United plan, online investors and fans all over the world could purchase “a piece of the team” in the form of digital collectibles such as videos, photos or characters.

Smith told the Washington Post that the group would be “starting from scratch” – which would allow them to be “riskier in what you allow your brand to become. Then you can work with your community to figure out what it is together.”

They hope to follow the example of Brentford whose rise to the Premier League has been based on analytics.

The report claims WAGMI United have already agreed a deal with English data analytics firm StatsBomb.

Smith, 38, told the Washington Post: “We are going to try a bunch of unconventional stuff, but will be pretty much led by the numbers from an analytical perspective.

“And our hope is that it works. There’s not that much downside if it doesn’t.”

WAGMI United staged a public announcement on Twitter this evening - which was followed by plenty of City fans.

While those involved did not name the club, they allowed four Bantams supporters to speak and ask questions.

The Americans revealed that there was no agreement in place - but they would like to get a deal done by mid-January if possible for the transfer window.