THE Scottish Rugby Union are reportedly close to securing a takeover of Worcester Warriors after a bid from ex-Swindon Town chairman Jed McCrory is understood to have failed.

According to the Rugby Paper, the Evesham-based businessman had been granted a period of exclusivity to complete the deal.

But that reportedly expired on Friday without agreement and the SRU is now believed to be in pole position to take control of the Aviva Premiership club.

A national report in October suggested the SRU were interested in investing in Warriors who were put up for sale by owners Sixways Holdings Limited in September.

The union, which broke the £50million turnover mark for the first time in the 2016/17 financial year owns and funds Pro 14 sides Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

But Worcester who boast Scotland back rower David Denton is understood to be eyed up as a possible base for Scottish players aiming to play in England’s top flight.

A deal is expected to be concluded this week.

Warriors and the SRU but both declined to comment. The Worcester News also contacted McCrory who had a stint as Swindon’s chairman in 2013 but he has yet to respond.