Sunderland takeover OFF as American owners pull out of talks over valuation of the club

SUNDERLAND'S super-rich American bidders are pulling out of takeover talks over the valuation of the club.

The League One sleeping giants, who have sacked manager Jack Ross, have been told the shock news after MSD Partners spent over a month trying to finalise a deal.

The group, led by Glenn Fuhrman and backed by Dell computer cash, were unhappy with the buy-out plan after due diligence.

Owner Stewart Donald hoped to sell for a good price and keep a major say in the Black Cats.

But the Americans have too many questions unanswered.

The parties discussed initial figures over a multi-million sale before Fuhrman flew in to push on with the deal a few weeks ago.

Those numbers changed after queries were raised by the American's legal team during a lengthy investigation.

The Americans felt  Sunderland was over-valued and also doubted whether they had as many assets on the academy side as they were led to believe.

Now Donald and his men are on the look-out for other investors.

He is also under pressure to sack boss Jack Ross but that would be a costly exercise.

We revealed last month that former England boss Sam Allardyce was willing to go back if the takeover could be completed.

Allardyce, 64, thinks he has one more top project in him — and has a backroom staff ready to come along.