Sunderland takeover takes reported twist as Kyril Louis-Dreyfus claim made

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus remain the frontrunners to complete a takeover of Sunderland despite interest from US investors.

Financier Matthew Pauls is thought to be working on a bid with another investor from Washington DC, and a representative of the duo visited Wearside in the summer and was shown around the Stadium of Light and Academy of Light.

While Pauls has shown interest in buying the club, Black Cats chief executive Jim Rodwell confirmed earlier this month that the club is in a ‘period of exclusivity’ with a preferred bidder – thought to be the Sartori/Louis-Dreyfus combination.

Current owner Stewart Donald is preparing to sell most of his 75 per cent majority shareholding in Sunderland, with French billionaire Louis-Dreyfus expected to buy into the club.

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Sartori already owns 20 per cent of the club and could also increase his holding as part of the deal.

Reports have suggested that Donald would retain 15 per cent, while Charlie Methven would keep his five per cent share.

Now, fresh reports from France claim that Louis-Dreyfus is planning to step up his plans to buy the League One club as part of wider-scale football project.

France Football claim the interest remains ‘more than serious’ and would see the business group building a portfolio of clubs in England (Sunderland), Uruguay and France.

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However France Football also says that no detailed due diligence has yet been carried out. The French outlet also claims that Louis-Dreyfus may not ‘really (be) aware of the gravity of the economic situation’ at the Stadium of Light after the club entered a third season at League One level.