Gordon Armstrong makes 'worrying' Charlie Methven claim as Sunderland AFC takeover 'very close'

It is understood that Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus are continuing to pursue a deal to purchase Sunderland AFC – with fresh investment moving ever-closer.

The deal was said to be at an advanced stage when details of it became public a fortnight ago, with the initial Guardian report stating that Stewart Donald had accepted a bid from the duo.

And according to fresh reports from Roker Report, the deal has now moved a step closer to completion having reached the offices of the footballing authorities.

If true, the EFL will need to complete its Owners & Directors Test before the investment can be rubber-stamped.

However, much remains unclear regarding the makeup of the takeover, the division of shares and who will run the club on a day-to-day basis.

“Been asked for my opinion on possible takeover at SAFC,” Armstrong said on Twitter. “I was slaughtered for this last time so should know better, although I was totally right.

“But here I go, what I heard from a source in SAFC is that deal is very close with Dreyfus & JS in equal amounts of shares, a bit worrying.

"That French kid would not have total control with Methven and SD keeping shares.

“Most worryingly for me, I am told by club insider Charlie Methven would run the club if not officially, but he would, this would be disastrous imo.”

The Echo has approached the club for comment.

Sunderland legend Armstrong has previously spoken candidly about past involvements with groups who were looking to buy the club from Ellis Short.

Armstrong, when asked in 2018 about his involvement with a consortium and their attempts to purchase Sunderland, said: “I have been involved with one or two of the consortiums that has been involved in trying to buy it, it’s never came off.

"But yeah, I’ve been involved before, i.e. with the German consortium and other bits and bobs.

“They had a meeting with Mr Short and they couldn’t find an agreement, basically, so that’s where that ended up.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor