Sunderland owner Stewart Donald is preparing to sell 64 per cent of his stake in the club just 13 months after taking over at the Stadium of Light, according to the Daily Mail.

The report states that American businessman Mark Campbell is set to take a 74 per cent stake in the club to become the new majority shareholder, as he is also expected to buy Juan Sartori's portion of the shares.

Sunderland have claimed they are also talking to a host of other parties, but it appears Campbell is the only serious contender to take the reigns on Wearside.

It is thought that the deal will now go through before the end of the month, with Campbell reportedly heading a New York-based consortium which has links to the Far East.

Donald purchased the club from former owner Ellis Short for £37million just over a year ago, and it now remains to be seen whether the businessman will stay on as the club's chairman.

Sunderland failed to seal a return to the Championship following their play-off final defeat to Charlton, but it is thought talks regarding this potential sale had started before this setback.

The Verdict

This comes as something of surprise given that it appeared Donald was in it for the long haul when he completed his takeover last year.

This now clouds the club with uncertainty yet again, with it remaining to be seen how Campbell's consortium intends to run the club.

Sunderland fans have reason to feel let down by Donald for backing out of his commitment to the club so soon after buying into it.