Sunderland AFC takeover: Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus set to complete deal

The Guardian claim that Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus – the son of wealthy former Marseille owner Margarita – are the party in a period of exclusivity with Stewart Donald.

Donald would retain a 15 per cent stake in the club as part of the deal, but it would be the group led by Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus who would hold the majority control of the club.

Charlie Methven is also set to retain a minority share in the club.

The report suggests that Sartori reached-out to Louis-Dreyfus six months ago in a bid to purchase a majority stake in the club and that talks have now reached a positive conclusion – with Donald accepting a bid from the group earlier this week.

And it is also suggested that the takeover could be given the green light within the next fortnight.