Short ready to give away Black Cats

FED-UP Sunderland owner Ellis Short is so desperate to rid himself of the crisistorn club he is willing to offload it for nothing.

But the buyer must be willing to take on the Black Cats’ debts, which stand at more than £130 million according to the club’s latest accounts. Around half of that is to the American billionaire himself and it is understood he could also be willing to waive that to encourage fresh bids.

A German consortium held talks with Short nine months ago but the deal collapsed when he became sceptical about their plans for the club.

In October last year he was looking to sell for the same price as his luxury London home, which was valued at £57m. But since then, with the team bottom of the Championship, the price has plummeted and now Short just wants it off his hands.

Since he bought the SHORT: May be willing to waive debts club from the Irishbased Drumaville Consortium 10 years ago, Sunderland have gone through 11 managers and flirted with relegation from the Premier League every season before losing top-flight status in April.

Now they face the prospect of back-tolot back relegations. They slumped to the foot of the table following Tuesday’s defeat at Bolton and unless they pick up points at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday, they could find themselves marooned.

Short now lives in Florida, leaving day-to-day matters to chief executive Martin Bain. Chris Coleman, manager since November, believes the owner’s apathy has created an air of negativity.

“I’ve never spoken to the chairman,” said Coleman.

“I’ve no idea about the price he wants to sell and I’ve no idea if there is someone out there.” ❑ THE EFL have voted to fall into line with the Premier League and close the summer transfer window for permanent deals on the opening day of next season, August 9. EFL clubs will still be able to make loan deals until August 31 and move players to leagues whose windows remain open. ❑ LEEDS will release a new badge for the 2019-2020 centenary campaign after angry fans called for a club redesign depicting a supporter doing the so-called Leeds salute to be scrapped. The club said: “We look forward to our loyal and passionate fans selecting a crest that will proudly herald in the next 100 years.”