Asante Kotoko are closing in on a deal with former Hearts of Oak coach David Duncan as a replacement for coach Mas-Ud Dramani who has been told to proceed on leave; GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.

Dramani has seen his stocks fall in the last two months with his team struggling to replicate the form that saw them win both the league and FA cup trophies last season.

Opinions are divided over the possible replacement of Dramani if eventually it is confirmed that he has been sacked, with former Kotoko and now Ashanti Gold trainer Bashiru Hayford being touted as a perfect replacement.

Some have also muted about the appointment of David Duncan who divides opinion within the Kotoko populace due to his links with fierce rivals Hearts of Oak.

But sources close to Duncan have revealed Kotoko are logged in ferocious negotiations with the one time AshGold trainer.

“I can confirm to you that Opoku Nti was in Accra with some officials and spoke to Duncan and he liked the idea,” a source close to Duncan told GHANAsoccernet.com

“The only thing that is making the deal delay is the manner which Kotoko are approaching Dramani’s sacking.

“Duncan understands that there is no vacancy until it has been confirmed Dramani has been sacked and will only move talks to the finals stages if there is a vacancy.

“The financial terms of the deal and duration are all cool to Duncan.”

Duncan has been jobless since leaving Hearts of Oak over a year ago.