Ellis Short and Stewart Donald meet EFL chiefs as Sunderland takeover talks continue

Donald is meeting EFL executives today in London to provide further assurances regarding his funding capabilities and the proposed sale of Eastleigh.

Eastleigh earlier this week issued a statement confirming that Donald had agreed the sale of the club to existing board members, with the deal now subject to National League approval.

League rules strictly prohibit one person holding a significant interest in more than one club.

It was first announced on Sunday, April 29 that Donald and his international consortium had reached agreement with Short to buy Sunderland, the deal subject to EFL ratification.

Almost three weeks on and the deal is yet to be confirmed though that is not unusual and there is no set EFL timeframe for approving takeovers.

Donald, who is set to become the majority shareholder should the deal be approved, has been encouraged by his dialogue with the EFL thus far and is confident that he has sufficient proof of funds.

He is fronting an international consortium, but will be the primary investor in the club.

Richard Conway, sports news correspondent for BBC Sport, has been outside the EFL headquarters this morning and confirmed Donald was inside meeting with EFL chiefs and added that Short had also emerged from the building.

Short did not answer any questions about the ongoing takeover talks.