Cats owner ‘in advanced sale talks’
SUNDERLAND could be under new ownership by the time the new season starts, with Stewart Donald believed to be in advanced negotiations with a potential buyer.
In recent days the founder of the Rich Energy drinks company William Storey claimed to have made a formal offer for the club, while US-based businessman Mark Campbell – who tried to buy the Black Cats 12 months ago before the deal fell through – has also been linked with the club.
But, according to BBC Radio Newcastle’s Sunderland AFC commentator Nick Barnes, Donald has entered a period of exclusivity with a prospective buyer – and neither Storey nor Campbell are involved.
Barnes tweeted: “I understand Sunderland AFC owner Stewart Donald has entered a period of exclusivity with a prospective buyer – I believe it’s not Mark Campbell or William Storey – with a view to selling before the season starts. Sale could be much sooner #safc”.
Detailed information has yet to emerge and it is not clear at this stage whether the potential buyer is an individual or a consortium.
Former Sunderland defender Michael Gray has said he is trying to put together a consortium to buy the club, while another local group is thought to have held discussions with Donald in recent weeks.
Former Birmingham City vicechairman Sammy Yu has also shown interest.
In a stormy meeting with fans’ representatives earlier this month, Donald confirmed that he is still determined to sell the club and set an asking price of £37.6m, but at that point said there was no buyer on the scene.
Sunderland fans are keen for Donald to sell and the news that the club could change hands within a matter of weeks is a step in the right direction, but they are likely to be cautious until such time as they know the identity and background of any possible new owner.