Niall Quinn is reportedly in talks over the takeover of Sunderland from current owner Ellis Short.

Quinn left his role as chairman at the Stadium of Light in 2011, but according to The Sun, the pundit, who is allegedly in talks with an investor, could make a return to the North-East.

The club are currently up for sale in a move orchestrated by Short, who does not want an upfront fee if the outfit is taken over; instead, any potential new owner would have to take on debts totalling around £70m.

Quinn was involved in the Drumaville Consortium's takeover of the club in 2006, before Short arrived in 2009.

Sunderland, who currently prop up the Championship table, are five points adrift of safety.