Quinn could be set to see the Light
The club, which recently sacked former Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy as manager, looks certain to return to Championship football. Club chairman Bob Murray has indicated a willingness to sell his majority stake at the Stadium of Light.
The BBC reported yesterday that Sunderland’s ex-striker - who played for the club between 1996 and 2002 - is interested in putting a bid together.
When Quinn ended his playing days at the club he donated the proceeds of his testimonial against the Republic of Ireland to children’s charities, which earned him a British MBE honour the following year.
While the rumour mill suggests he is preparing to begin talks with Murray on buying out his 56.8% share of the club, nothing has been officially confirmed.
There have even been reports that Quinn might be hoping to make a joint bid with Limerick racing tycoon JP McManus, although these have been played down.
However, the pair do have loose connections as Quinn has dabbled in horse breeding since his retirement from professional football.
McManus was famously a major shareholder in Manchester United until the club’s buyout by American billionaire Malcolm Glazer last year, a deal which netted the Irishman and his horse trainer associate John Magnier an estimated €150 million.
The club’s value is unknown, but has almost certainly been on the decline since the string of bad results leaving them on the verge of relegation from the Premiership.
Despite successfully returning them from the Coca Cola Championship last year, McCarthy was given the boot by the Sunderland board three weeks ago.
With just 10 points from 31 games, defeat to Everton this Saturday could seal their fate.
The future of Irish international players Stephen Elliott and Liam Lawrence also remain unclear as the drop looms large.
Niall Quinn scored 21 goals in 91 appearances in an Irish jersey, a record recently broken by new Irish captain Robbie Keane.
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