Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell has insisted that his appointment has not changed owner Stewart Donald's stance on selling the North East club.
Following significant unrest amongst fans, Black Cats owner Donald announced in December that he would look to sell the club two years after he took control.
Rodwell was appointed in April, leaving his previous role as CEO of Scunthorpe United to make the switch to the Stadium of Light.
The 49-year-old has held a host of positions in the game, including as a player, a manager, a club chairman, and as a board director at both the FA and EFL.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Englishman emphasised that his arrival did not mean that the club would not be sold in the near future should the right offer come in.
He explained: "It [a prospective sale] doesn't really change my position.
"If you have plenty of money and can hit a number, you could buy most football clubs.
"So that doesn't overly concern me.
"If the right offer comes in and the owners think it is in the best interests of the club, that they are genuine, credible people, they will probably look to sell the club.
"If new owners wanted a new chief executive, c'est la vie."
The Black Cats have had a very difficult few years. They suffered back to back promotions in 2017 and 2018, falling from the Premier League to League One, and then saw their promotion hopes dashed by a heartbreaking late goal in last season's play-off final.
Sunderland are seventh in the table as things stand and will likely feel that should the season be concluded in its entirety, they have an excellent chance of securing promotion.
Do you know where these 15 Sunderland players signed from? Have a go now!
The Verdict
It's interesting to hear Rodwell address what is a big issue in terms of the future of the club and his comments will likely be a relief for many Black Cats fans.
It would've been understandable for them to be concerned that by bringing Rodwell in, Donald was quietly going back on the announcement he made back in December.
It has been a difficult few years for Sunderland and some of the Stadium of Light faithful may feel that fresh ownership will allow them to move forward.
They should be careful what they wish for, however, given the difficulties takeovers have caused for clubs in the past.
You just have to look at their opponents in last season's play-off final, Charlton Athletic, to see a prime example of how messy it can get.