Phil Parkinson insists he is unmoved by the takeover talk that continues to swirl around Sunderland.
The extended summer lay-off due to the Covid-19 shutdown has been filled with takeover speculation, with owner Stewart Donald looking to sell and a range of prospective buyers - of varying degrees of credibility - linked with the club.
It is against that backdrop of uncertainty, Parkinson has had to reshape his squad ready for the start of the new League One season which gets under way in under a fortnight's time.
But Parkinson has experienced similar boardroom uncertainty during his time in charge at Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City, and Charlton Athletic - with all three clubs changing ownership while he was manager.
Asked about the situation at Sunderland, he said: "I can't remember being at a club where there is no takeover talk.
"That's just modern football and being a football manager in the modern game.
"I don't listen to it too much.
"If there's anything I need to know, Stewart Donald will ring me up.
"He's kept me informed of things along the way, I speak to him regularly and if there's anything I need to know he tells me.
"As you know, lots of people like to be linked with buying a club.
"Putting the money down and actually buying it, that's a different thing."
Speculation concerning a sale has intensified in recent weeks, with Donald understood to be in a period of exclusivity with a potential buyer.
And, seperately, founder of drinks company Rich Energy William Storey has been active on social media claiming that he has launched a bid for the club, although sources within the club have indicated that he is not seen as a credible buyer.
