Despite interest from American investors, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, 23, is the favourite to buy Sunderland Football Club.
Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell confirmed earlier this month that a potential buyer is currently in a ‘period of exclusivity’ and is thought to be Louis-Dreyfus and Uruguayan businessman and politician Juan Sartori, whose Russian father-in-law, Dmitry Rybolovlev, owns French club Monaco. Sartori already owns 20% of the club, but has teamed up with Louis-Dreyfus for the takeover bid. It is unclear whether Sartori intends to expand his 20 percent ownership.
Black Cats owner Stewart Donald wishes to sell the majority of his 75% stake in the team. There are reports that he may retain a 15% minority stake, with Charlie Methven keeping his 5%.
American businessman Matthew Pauls intends to launch a takeover bid and is keenly monitoring developments. Pauls, who leads a consortium, has been in London for some weeks trying to put together a deal to buy the club if the Louis-Dreyfus-Sartori proposal fails. Again, if Pauls takes ownership of the club, it is largely assumed that Stewart Donald will keep a minority share.
According to sources close to Sartori, a transaction might be reached as early as December.
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