THE group of Sunderland fans believed to have been interested in buying out Ellis Short have revealed they will not be seeking to take over the club at this stage.

Gabe Turner, Leo Pearlman and Ben Turner – from wealthy television production company Fulwell 73 – appear to have issued a statement through Black Cats’ fans’ website A Love Supreme ruling themselves out of the running.

They were believed to have been part of a multi-national consortium interested in taking over Sunderland but now attention will turn to the German consortium looking to strike a deal potentially worth in excess of £100m depending on promotion.

The statement on ALS from Fulwell 73 read: “As life-long Sunderland supporters, it would be the fulfilment of a dream to be involved in the ownership of the club, to put it back into the hands of the fans and to give the whole of Wearside a team to be proud of.

“Our club is the biggest in the North-East, should be one of the biggest in the country and the Premier League is therefore the only place it belongs.

“We have been so touched and inspired by the reaction from our fellow supporters, who rightly deserve their reputation as the best fans in the world.

“However, due to our other TV and film commitments, now isn't the right time for us to get involved. It's where our hearts are and would demand a huge personal commitment, and we wouldn't want to give anything less than our all to the club.

“We owe that to all the other fans for whom, like us, SAFC is such an integral part of their histories and future. Whether it is Mr Short who remains in control or new owners who come in, we will always support the lads and offer any assistance, at any level, in helping to re-establish this great club at the level it deserves to be‎.”

Sunderland owner Short is desperate for a breakthrough so that he can sell the club and then Martin Bain, the chief executive, can focus on appointing a new manager ahead of next season in the Championship.

There has been other parties interested in buying the club but it is the German group who are leading the way.