A FORMER Sunderland player is leading a bid to wrest control of a troubled Northern League club from an ex-Newcastle United star.

The ex-Black Cat, who asked to remain anonymous, is putting together a consortium with interests in Dubai in the hope of buying Durham City AFC from former Magpies defender Olivier Bernard.

The Citizens have been playing their home matches 15 miles away in Consett since they were “kicked out” of New Ferens Park in October, following a financial dispute with landlords Sedd Leisure.

The former Sunderland player said he wanted the club back playing in Durham and was waiting for Mr Bernard’s response to a third offer, of £23,000, to buy the club.

However, the Frenchman dismissed the interest as “comical” and said the Citizens were not for sale.

“I’m happy for people if they care about the club to invest in it but I’m not interested in selling. It’s easy to say something over the phone,” he said.

Mr Bernard also said he was looking at building a new ground in Durham for the Citizens to call home, but refused to disclose any potential sites.

It is understood the new facilities would allow for a full youth setup and like New Ferens Park the main pitch would be synthetic, though there would also be grassed areas.

Mr Bernard said: “We are close to getting somewhere but there are ongoing talks.”

Meanwhile, the consortium is also interested in buying another Northern League club, moving it to Durham and renaming it to reflect its new home.

Austin Carney, co-owner of Sedd Leisure, said he would be delighted to have Durham City or another team using New Ferens Park next season.

“These people (the consortium) seem to have Durham at heart and we would be happy to host them.

“Just about every game is getting called off at the moment and, yet, here we have a stadium which could be played on in the current conditions. It seems ludicrous that no regular football is being played here.”

On the field, the Citizens have been sliding down the Ebac Northern League First Division, currently sitting 14th in the 22-team table.

Chris Moore, a former Newcastle United reserve, took over as manager in late November following the resignation of Ian Chandler.

This Saturday (January 16), the Citizens are scheduled to play Ashington at Consett at 3pm.