Sunderland's owners have claimed it is impossible to give a definite timescale over a potential takeover of the North East club but indicated that it is unlikely a deal will be completed this month, despite previous suggestions.
In December 2019, Stewart Donald announced that following pressure from fan groups he was looking to sell Sunderland.
Such a deal has not yet been completed but in March, former Black Cats executive director and 6% stakeholder Charlie Methven suggested that a deal would likely be done before the end of May.
The Sunderland Echo conducted a Q&A with Madrox Partners, the company used by Donald to acquire Sunderland that also counts Methven and Juan Sartori as shareholders, addressed a potential takeover.
When pressed on whether a deal would be done by the end of May, Madrox replied: "Unfortunately it is unlikely with the development that football may resume without paying spectators. It is impossible at this stage to give a definitive timescale.”
It has been nearly two months since the EFL season was suspended and it remains unclear if, how, and when the 2019/20 campaign will be concluded.
The Athletic has reported that the EFL are set to bring the League One and League Two seasons to an early end this week.
It is understood they will ask clubs to vote on how the campaign is decided, with the favourite proposal a weighed points-per-game system that would not see the Black Cats in the top three.
Can you remember which Sunderland manager signed each of these 15 players? Have a go now!
The Verdict
This update on the timescale of the club takeover is not a huge surprise but it does signify that a deal may not come any time soon.
A lot has changed since Methven made the claim back in March and you could understand why potential new owners would be cautious in the current circumstances.
The comments seem to indicate that the prospect of behind closed doors games will impact a potential takeover, which may be a concern given it has been suggested that crowds may not return until 2021.