CONSORTIUM LINKED TO BLACK CATS COUP

A COMPANY reportedly behind a move t o buy Sunderland was remaining tight-lipped as the saga surrounding the club took a fresh twist.

Reports claimed a consor tium headed by television executives Leo Pearlman, Gabe Turner and Ben Turner are preparing an offer with former Arsenal defender Tony Adams and one-time Chelsea business affairs director Paul Smith part of the package.

Sunderland fans Pearlman and the Turners own Fulwell 73 Productions, which takes its name from one of the stands at the club’s former home, Roker Park, and the year of the Black Cats’ FA Cup Final triumph over Leeds.

The company co-produces The Late, Late Show with James Corden and was behind the sports documentary The Class of 92.

There was no comment from either Fulwell 73 or the club, which revealed last week it has held discussions with “parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring ownership of the club”, most notably a German consortium.

Current owner Ellis Short is actively looking to sell the Black Cats, who slipped out of the Premier League at the end of last season, after ploughing in excess of £200 million of his own money into the business during his tenure.

Sunderland reported a loss after tax of £33m during the financial year to July 31, 2016 and have a net debt of £110.4m.