Quinn on brink of takeover

NIALL QUINN and his consortium could clinch a deal to take over Sunderland within days. Further talks took place yesterday after discussions earlier this week with few details left to be settled.

Sunderland Ltd extended the existing exclusivity agreement between the parties to June 30 on Tuesday, although a deal may not take that long to finalise.

Should chairman and majority shareholder Bob Murray accept an offer for his 56.8% stake, the consortium would then have to make the same offer to the remaining shareholders, and they would have three weeks to make a decision.

The players will return for pre-season training on Monday with coach Kevin Richardson having been asked to take charge in the absence of a new manager.

Former England midfielder Richardson will work alongside head of sports science Pete Friar.