Fresh Sunderland takeover claims over delay and when a deal could be done

It was first reported in July that owner Stewart Donald had entered a period of exclusivity with a potential buyer – whose identity remains a mystery – ahead of a potential sale before the season begins.

The delay has been put down to the uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic with various forecasting to accommodate different potential scenarios needing to be done but BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes reports talks are ‘progressing well’ and a deal could be completed by the end of the month with the deal soon to be submitted to the EFL.

The club has refused to comment on takeover speculation in recent weeks.

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Manager Phil Parkinson, who managed Bolton Wanderers during a prolonged period of boardroom uncertainty, said he was being kept fully informed by owner Stewart Donald and insisted it wasn’t proving a distraction ahead of the new season.

"I can't remember being at a club where there is no takeover talk,” he said earlier this summer.

“That's just modern football and being a football manager in the modern game.

“I don't listen to it too much.

“If there's anything I need to know, Stewart Donald will ring me up,” he added.

“He's kept me informed of things along the way, I speak to him regularly and if there's anything I need to know he tells me.

“As you know, lots of people like to be linked with buying a club.

“Putting the money down and actually buying it, that's a different thing.”

Energy-drink businessman William Storey, who is not believed to be seen as a credible buyer by the club, has also been a vocal presence on social media in promoting his desire to complete a sale.

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