Sunderland owner to decide between two takeover bids

The potential sale of Sunderland has moved a step closer after two bids for the club were submitted.

A German consortium and fans Gabe Turner, Ben Turner and Leo Pearlman from television production company Fulwell 73 have made takeover offers.

Sunderland confirmed on Friday that discussions with "parties who have expressed an interest" are ongoing.

Short, who took over the club in May 2009, is looking to sell following relegation to the Championship.

Sunderland are keen to conclude the talks as quickly as possible and have put a time limit on a potential sale, with finding a replacement for manager David Moyes, who left his post in May, also a priority.

Although fans of the Wearside club, some of Fulwell 73's financial backing would come from the USA.

The group takes its name from a stand at Sunderland's former ground, Roker Park, and the year in which the club last won the FA Cup.

JC