Sunderland ownership set for 'major' development after Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven reveal

Sunderland could be on the brink of next investors after Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven accepted a bid to sell their shares, according to reports. Black Cats fan and Sky Sports journalist Tom White claimed the duo were in talks to sell their shares earlier this week, but has since revealed the pair have accepted a bid from unknown buyers.

There has been plenty of unrest surrounding the pairs continued involvement in the club following Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' takeover of the club last year. Supporters felt they had been misled by 'majority' shareholder comments, given the Frenchman only owned 41 per cent of the club.

Both Donald and Methven confirmed they would be happy to sell their shares prior to the club winning promotion back to the Championship. There's little known of the unknown buyers at this stage and the recent revelation does not reveal whether Louis-Dreyfus is increasing his share in the club.

White said: "Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven have accepted a bid for their shares in #SAFC. More info on the buyers to come in next few days. Deal needs EFL approval.

"A rep of the group was in the boardroom for P/O v Sheff Wed. There is confidence the deal will be done within 5 weeks."

Alan Nixon said in his Patreon, that Louis-Dreyfus step-father has emerged as a key figure in the proceedings to buy out Donald and Methven. He claims Phillipp Hildebrand is at the heart of the deal to buy out the former owners, in a push to make his stepson a more central figure at the Stadium of Light.

He adds that Hildebrand himself is not likely to be involved personally, but his contacts from around the world could now pose significant investment. The report claims both Donald and Methven were happy to stay at the club