Prospective Sunderland owner Stewart Donald agrees to sell Eastleigh

Prospective Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has agreed to sell Eastleigh to open the way for his takeover at the Stadium of Light, the National League club have announced.

Donald has a deal in place to take control on Wearside from current owner Ellis Short on behalf of an international consortium, but league rules prevent one person from holding a controlling interest in two different clubs.

In a statement released on their official website Eastleigh said: "Eastleigh Football Club can confirm that owner and majority shareholder Stewart Donald has agreed to sell the club to the existing board members, along with a number of senior management staff currently working for the club.

"The club has been in discussion with the National League regarding the change of ownership, and we are now awaiting confirmation of their approval before matters can be concluded."

Donald, who was among the crowd for the final day victory over champions Wolves, is currently awaiting EFL approval for his bid to buy Sunderland more than a fortnight after Short announced an agreement had been reached.

The Black Cats will play their football in League One next season after suffering successive relegations.

They are currently without a manager following the departure of former Wales boss Chris Coleman.

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