Sunderland AFC round-up: William Storey 'very serious' about takeover bid as salary cap proposals slammed

From takeover talk to slamming the salary cap, here’s the latest news:

Storey ‘very serious’ about takeover bid

Rich Energy CEO William Storey yesterday claimed to have launched a bid to buy Sunderland AFC – and today responded to questions from supporters over the supposed offer.

When asked whether he was serious about purchasing the club, Storey said: “Very serious. A huge opportunity to take the club forward.”

The entrepreneur was also quizzed on his ill-fated sponsorship of Formula One team Haas, and was asked what he did wrong, to which he replied: “Nothing. I took on the biggest energy drink brand in their backyard of F1 and they didn't like it.”

Oxford United boss slams salary cap proposals

Karl Robinson has slammed the salary cap proposals put to League One clubs – and believes Premier League 2 is ‘around the corner’.

Third tier clubs will likely be limited to a wage cap of £2.5million next season, with the equivalent figure in the Championship standing at £18million, and Robinson believes this will make promoted teams ‘sitting ducks’ in the future.

“We already have SCMP, that should be adhered to and respected,” he said.

“If owners want to spend money they should be allowed to, as long as the club is safe.

“We’ve all got to have hopes and dreams that you could do a Bournemouth one day of getting to the Championship and further, but this might stall it.

“How can anyone think £18m to £2.5m is fair? Let’s all get promoted and be sitting ducks and come back down.

“I’m telling you now, Premier League 2 is round the corner.”

Kyle Lafferty seals next move

Former Sunderland striker Kyle Lafferty has sealed a move to the Italian second tier – penning a deal with Reggina.

The Northern Irish international has agreed a two-year contract with the ambitious side after his stay at the Stadium of Light wasn’t extended.