Intro:

English Premier League club Manchester City take a majority stake in Australian League outfit Melbourne heart.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) David Gallop, of Football Federation Australian Chief Executive:

"Yeah, about a year now since Frank Lowy met Manchester City representatives and talks have been ongoing. It's obviously sped up in recent times and we've had a number of Manchester City representatives out here to put the deal to bed. But very excited. I think it's recognition of where Australian football's at."

SOUNDBITE: (English) David Gallop, of Football Federation Australian Chief Executive:

"I think they want to make it part of a global exercise for them in terms of the academies that they put in place for young players and pathways. Obviously our place in Asian football is important to them. They've taken up a franchise in New York, they'll have us as their central Asian position and obviously, they've got the main club in Manchester."