FC Cincinnati is looking for equity investors to help finance its move to Major League Soccer, reports SportBusiness.

The club is looking to raise the capital necessary to fund its ongoing construction plans, which are an estimated $280m (€245m) for a stadium and a new training ground.

According to Forbes, the club has hired Raine Group – which has also helped DC United, New York City FC and the upcoming MLS team in Miami – to advise on the transaction. No bids have yet been made but a deal is expected by the end of 2019.

"It's an opportunity to be a part of arguably the most popular team in the market," says FC Cincinnati president and general manager Jeff Berding.

FC Cincinnati broke ground on its new soccer-specific stadium in the West End community this week. It is expected to be finished by the start of the 2021 MLS season.