Quinn in takeover bid?

[Beefy]

Former Sunderland striker Niall Quinn is interested in putting together a bid to buy the struggling Premiership outfit, BBC Sport understands.
Current chairman Bob Murray has said he will sell his 56.8% stake in the club - if the right offer comes along.

Quinn - who played for Sunderland between 1996 and 2002 - is understood to have spent several weeks looking at the viability of making a bid.

But it is not thought the 39-year-old has yet opened talks with Murray.

Sunderland have had a disastrous return to the Premiership after winning the Championship last season, picking up only 10 points and winning just two of their 31 games so far.

They could be relegated as early as this Saturday, should they drop points at Everton and West Brom beat Liverpool.

The Sportsman newspaper has said that speculation Quinn was keen on joining forces with horse racing magnate JP McManus was wide of the mark.

Sunderland are yet to comment on the rumours.

[Beefy]

Niall Quinn may appoint himself manager when his consortium completes the takeover of Sunderland. (Daily Express)

[Beefy]

Niall Quinn's remarkable £80m takeover of Sunderland will be complete within days. (Express)

[Beefy]

Niall Quinn has made an offer to buy Sunderland but is haggling over the £16m asking price. (Daily Mirror)

[Toffee]

Looks like this has been finalised, and Quinns consortium has completed its takeover bid. I think he will be a better co-owner than the manager.

Good luck Quinny.