There was plenty of Sunderland gossip in the Sunday newspapers as the club’s on and off-the-field adventures have hit the headlines during international week.
The Black Cats sacked Jack Ross in a week when there were claims the takeover of the club, which was being led by MSD Partners, has hit the ropes.
Here’s the latest on both from the red tops over the weekend:
The Sun
Journalist Alan Nixon reports that Stewart Donald wants £40million in promotion bonuses from MSD Partners to buy the club – one of what he claims are “many problems” that have thrown the deal into doubt .
The report claims Sunderland are valued at £50million, but it is the idea of bonuses if the Black Cats go up which are part of the issues that led to doubts about the takeover last week.
Nixon reported last week that the deal was off, although elements of that were denied by Donald on Twitter. He has subsequently deleted his account, but not before saying Sunderland are still in talks on future investment.
Today’s report claims Donald is looking for a £40million bonus if Sunderland make it back to the Premier League.
He reports: “Donald wants £15m if they get back to the Championship and a further £25m should they make the top flight.
“The Americans, whose money was made in the Dell business, do not think the figures compute with their own ideas. And the group do not see why they should pay Donald and the other current shareholders if they turn the club around and take it to the promised land with their cash and plans.”
The Mirror
Daniel Stendel remains a leading candidate for the Sunderland job.
The German was initially installed as a leading candidate for the job and Donald confirmed they would talk to him. But with links to Phil Parkinson growing, his name has drifted in the bookies’ odds.
But the Sunday Mirror say he ticks plenty of boxes and remains in the running.
“A source close to Stendel’s camp confirmed he is still firmly on Sunderland’s radar,” the report states.
Meanwhile, in an opinion piece penned by Simon Bird he says Sunderland need a manager “with personality”.
He writes: “Way too many Sunderland signings of late have been unadventurous, low-key, lacking adventure... and on the field lacking athleticism and pace. The last thing the club need now is a pedestrian appointment in the dug-out.
“They need someone with cheek, personality, infectious belief and belligerent, steely personality to get the job done.”
The Star
In an exclusive the Star claim Phil Parkinson is now in “pole position” for the job.
Harry Pratt reports that the Black Cats were impressed by Parkinson in talks that happened over the weekend.
“Phil Parkinson is in pole position to become the new Sunderland boss,” he writes.
“The ex-Bolton boss, 51, was interviewed on Friday night and, according to sources close to the League One club, proved ‘very impressive’.”
He is now the clear favourite with a decision to be made later this week.
