SUNDERLAND owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has addressed the talks between the club’s shareholders and cryptocurrency group The Fans Together regarding the purchase of Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven’s shares and appears to have distanced himself from the potential buyers.

Donald and Methven, who owned a combined share of 39% of the club, had accepted an offer last week from an unnamed party for their shares with the sale expected to go through before the start of the Championship campaign.

The Northern Echo received a statement from The Fans Together today to confirm that they were in discussions with the pair.

In a statement, Louis-Dreyfus said: “Juan Sartori and I remain wholeheartedly committed to Sunderland AFC and our collective focus is on preparing for the upcoming Championship season.

“Neither I nor any employee from SAFC has had any dialogue with the cryptocurrency group ‘The Fans Together and although a timely conclusion to this matter is preferable, any transfer of shares must not compromise the club’s integrity.

“All shareholders must also be qualified to take the club forward in line with EFL governance an have alignment with the values and principles of SAFC and it’s supporters, as well as our long-term strategy.”