A host of individuals and groups have been linked with investment in – or a takeover of – Sunderland over the last twelve months.
Here, we round-up all the groups who have been linked with the Black Cats, and analyse what their interest eventually came to:
1. Mark Campbell
The English real estate tycoon came close to a deal in the summer - before it stalled at an advanced stage. He later went on to launch an unsuccessful bid to buy Scottish side Falkirk. Photo: Michael Gillen
2. The first American consortium
Back in March - ahead of the Checkatrade Trophy final - the Sun that a consortium with American backers were keen on a £50million takeover of the club. Photo: TY
3. The Chinese consortium
These reports came from the Sunday Mirror in April. They suggested that a Chinese-led consortium were lining-up investment in the Black Cats as speculation continued to mount. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
4. A Singapore-based group
Another claim from the Sun - this time in May - suggested that a group backed by finance from Singapore were the latest party to show their interest in Sunderland. Photo: JPI Media