A huge update has emerged on a group purchasing 39% of Sunderland this summer...

What's the talk?

Sky Sports presenter and journalist Tom White has revealed that The Fans Together are closing in on purchasing a stake in the Black Cats.

The Athletic had revealed that the group were in discussions with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven to take their stake in the club and White has now backed up those claims.

He Tweeted: '“The Fans Together” are moving closer to owning 39% of SAFC.

'The group believe in fan ownership. Fans will be given the chance to buy in. TFT already have a stake in Greek club FC EPISKOPI. TFT were attracted to SAFC by the large fan base and the fact there is no debt.'

White added: "Bob Robinson is leading the project. Robinson was previously involved at Bradford Park Avenue, where he led a fan run initiative to resurrect the club. No comment from the EFL (they would never comment on an ongoing takeover or investment)."

Supporters will be excited

The Black Cats supporters will be excited by this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be pleased that the deal is 'moving closer' at the start of the summer. This suggests that an agreement can be reached well in advance of the 2022/23 campaign getting underway.

Fans will not want uncertainty hanging over the club as they head into their first Championship season since 2017/18 and having this 39% sale dragging over into August and September surely suits no one involved.

By getting it done and dusted as early as possible, Sunderland can move forward with everyone pulling in the same direction as they attempt to achieve survival in the second tier under Alex Neil.

Secondly, supporters will be excited by the prospect of being able to buy in and own a percentage of the club. This pledge from TFT shows - if their name is not enough - that they care about the fans.

The group are seemingly passionate about the fanbase and this suggests that they will work hard to have a healthy relationship with them. This will leave the Black Cats faithful excited for the future with TFT at the Stadium of Light and the notion that they will feel valued at the club moving forward.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who's "loved by the fans" would get SOL rocking...