The two clubs have established links over the past year, with a number of the Dynamos' older players appearing for the Ridgeons League first division team.

Dynamos held their annual meeting last night when the merger was due to be discussed. The club committee will meet next week to decide on a course of action.

Representatives from both clubs, along with members of the parish council, have been invited to a meeting with Football Association officials at Suffolk FA headquarters in Stowmarket on July 22.

Cornard United manager Chris Symes has already approached the FA for a grant of £100,000 to extend facilities at the club, and has been advised he needs a 25-year lease on the ground for the grant to be approved.

Symes has asked Great Cornard parish council, who own the ground, for a new 25-year lease, and his request was approved by the council's recreation and leisure committee this week.

Committee chairman Mark Newman said: "This could utterly transform football in Great Cornard. This will be our chance to leave a legacy for the thousands of footballers who will get a chance to play and train at a club with superb facilities in the future."

The proposed new lease will now be put to the policies committee. "The club have been told they stand a good chance of getting the money, but only if we provide a 25-year lease. There is a great deal of money at stake and I think we have to go for it," he added.

With Cornard United running a first and reserve team, a ladies' team, and two youth teams next season, improved facilities are needed, with the provision of a female referee's changing room a priority.

With the Dynamos running up to 20 teams next season, a merger would allow the new club to seek additional grants, up to £400,000.

Cornard United chairman Neil Cottrell welcomed the recreation and leisure committee's decision. "That's excellent news," he said. "There are potentially exciting times ahead for the whole community."