William Storey insists he is still desperate to buy Sunderland after offering £45m, even though Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus appear to be closing in on a deal for the club.

Current owner Stewart Donald has made it clear for some time that he wants fresh investment, and Storey has been linked with the club regularly in the past. However, Donald doesn't see the 42-year-old businessman as a credible candidate.

Yet, speaking to the BBC, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Storey explained why he would be the best owner for the club as well as suggesting he had deals line up for five Premier League players if he completed a takeover.

"I'm trying to get this deal done for me and my group to take over Sunderland. We've bid £45m for Sunderland football club. That's £45m including £15m of immediate working capital for the club.

"Clearly there needs to be investment on the pitch and there needs to be significant improvements across the club. I've got five Premier League players lined-up on loan, I've got a world class sports company from London involved, I've got a massive backing from one of the richest men in Singapore and I've got one of the richest men in Ireland involved as well."

The latest reports suggest Storey's won't get his wish though, as Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus are at an advanced stage as they look to own a majority stake.

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The verdict

It's hard to know what to make of this, although the fact Storey has been dismissed in the past and is only complaining now another deal is about to go through, doesn't look good.

In truth, there are aspects of the Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus deal that are slightly concerning as well, whilst many fans were initially delighted when Donald took over but they didn't go well.

So, it's important not to get carried away with comments from prospective owners, and ultimately we will see what happens and the intentions of whoever does take over will be clear in their actions.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.