This is what Lee Johnson said when asked about the Kyril Louis-Dreyfus Sunderland takeover

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson remains confident the takeover will be completed.
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Kyril Louis-Dreyfus agreed to purchase a majority share in the club from Stewart Donald on December 24, with documentation lodged with the EFL shortly after.

And while there were hopes a deal could be completed by mid-January, Sunderland and Louis-Dreyfus are still awaiting the green light from the league sanctioning the ownership change.

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Weekend reports in the Sun suggested that the league were looking for assurances from Donald and fellow shareholder Juan Sartori before passing through the deal.

Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

The duo are both set to retain minority stakes in the club after the deal is completed, and report suggested that the EFL have asked for guarantees that they will continue to fund the club alongside Louis-Dreyfus for the next two years - and that the takeover will be approved once those assurances are given.

The Sunderland head coach was asked for an update in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to face MK Dons on Saturday afternoon in League One.

When asked if he’d had any update on the Sunderland takeover, Johnson said: “To be honest, no. I’ve genuinely just concentrated on winning, non-stop, try to give the lads the detail they need and to make sure they are believed in and comfortable.

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"All that stuff will take care of itself - even though I truly believe it’s definitely on the right path and it is just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.”

Sunderland make the trip down to MK Dons on Saturday, the second time this week they have played them after the 3-0 Papa John’s Trophy win.

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