Stewart Donald set to sell Sunderland AFC 'with a heavy heart' following fan protests

Donald, the majority shareholder of the Black Cats, has taken the decision with a 'heavy heart' - but is now actively seeking a buyer for the club.

The news comes following the #DonaldOut campaign on social media and a co-ordinated statement from supporters' groups Roker Report, Wise Men Say, A Love Supreme and the Red and White Army which urged Donald to sell the club.

Their campaign quickly gathered momentum, with the hashtag even trending on Twitter, and has now led to the majority shareholder announcing his intention to depart Wearside.

No deal has been agreed with any party as of yet, but according to the BBC, Donald has received interest in the club following the finalisation of an investment deal from FPP Sunderland - which saw a £10million loan given to Donald's holding company, Madrox Partners.

And he is now set to up his effort to sell the club he acquired in the summer of 2018 from former owner Ellis Short.

Sunderland came close to being taken over by real estate businessman Mark Campbell in the summer, only for a deal to collapse at the final minute. Campbell went on to be involved in a failed takeover of Falkirk and was recently linked with a move for National League side Chesterfield.

American billionaires Robert Platek, John Phelan and Glenn Fuhrman then also entered talks with Donald before finalising the aforementioned investment deal.