Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven have accepted a bid for their Sunderland shares and there is confidence the deal will be done within the next five weeks, according to Sky Sports' Tom White

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus completed his takeover of the club last February but it has since emerged that the Frenchman only bought a 41% stake of the club off Donald.

It is understood that Donald still has a 34% stake in the club while Methven retains 5% but that is on course to change soon as White has reported this morning that the pair have accepted a bid for their Sunderland shares.

The deal is said to be subject to EFL approval and has not yet reached exclusivity but that is expected imminently and there is confidence that it can be completed within the next five weeks.

We don't yet know the identity of the new buyer but it is understood that the offer was accepted ahead of the League One play-off final, which Alex Neil's side won to secure promotion to the Championship.

The Verdict

This will be music to the ears of Sunderland supporters, though they may be cautious to celebrate until things are wrapped up.

Many felt betrayed when it emerged that Donald had retained a large part of his stake in the club despite Louis-Dreyfus' takeover but the former owner's association with the Stadium of Light outfit looks to nearly be over.

That will give them the feeling of a completely fresh start as they head back into the Championship.

There are certainly plenty of reasons to be cheerful for Black Cats fans right now.