Sunderland: Stewart Donald takeover could be concluded 'next week'

Stewart Donald's proposed takeover of Sunderland was announced at the end of April

Stewart Donald's proposed takeover of Sunderland could be concluded "as early as next week", the Black Cats have said in a statement.

Eastleigh chairman Donald and current Sunderland owner Ellis Short met with English Football League executives on Friday to discuss the takeover.

Donald already has a deal in place to purchase the Black Cats from Short, but requires formal approval.

Sunderland were relegated from the Championship in April.

"Following a meeting with the EFL on Friday, and the provision of further information, we can now confirm that the proposed sale of the club could be concluded as early as next week," said a club statement.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to the EFL for their assistance during the process, at what is a very busy time of the football calendar for them."

After the meeting in London, American Short declined to answer any questions from BBC Sport regarding details of the deal and its progression.

The BBC was told at the beginning of May that Donald had agreed the sale of his National League side Eastleigh, but so far there has been no official confirmation.

He has previously said if the deal for Sunderland was allowed to go through, it would be "spectacular".

It has been reported Short has agreed to clear debts in order to push through the sale of a club that has been relegated in successive seasons after spending 10 years in the Premier League.