Kevin Phillips has said that events around the world at the moment are putting Sunderland's proposed sale of the club 'into perspective'.

Stewart Donald is thought to be keen on selling the Black Cats in the coming months as they look to secure investment to help take them to the next level.

While talks are thought to have been going on behind the scenes, Phillips believes that current events around the world will have stopped any substantial progress being made with now being far from the right time to complete the purchase of such a big club.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: “It is unfortunate that this virus is having an effect on everything. It puts someone buying a football club in perspective.

"No wonder it has gone quiet in terms of that because we have other things to worry about and think about.

“I am pretty sure there are still discussions because business is still going on. Whether there will be an announcement before the season kicks off I doubt.

“Nobody knows how long this is going to take and where it is going to take us. So, to commit to buying a football club at the moment, I cannot see it happening.

“I do not think selling is at the forefront of the owner’s mind right now. He will just be concentrating on sustaining financial stability over the next six months or however long it will be.”

QUIZ: Can you name the player who scored the first Sunderland goal in each of the last 16 seasons?

The verdict

The threat of this outbreak is certainly taking the world by storm.

While football fans may be frustrated by the suspended fixture schedule, it's worth remembering that some things are more important than a football match.

The health and wellbeing of those in attendance has to be of the utmost importance as this vicious virus has the potential to cause serious harm if it's not contained.

Of course football clubs need to do what is best for themselves from a business point of view, but surely common sense will prevail with a matter such as this.