Tuesday 27 March 2018 06:49, UK
Niall Quinn has been approached by a consortium interested in a takeover of Sunderland but only in an advisory role, according to Sky sources.
Sky Sports News understands that contrary to reports elsewhere Quinn has not held talks with Sunderland owner Ellis Short or chief executive Martin Bain, and has no interest in returning to football at that level.
The Irish-based group, who have had contact with Quinn, are one of a number of parties who have expressed an interest in taking over the Wearside club.
It is understood Quinn has held conversations with three different interested parties over the past eight months but none have come close to a deal with Sunderland.
Short has publicly stated the Championship club, which have debts over £100m, is for sale.
Quinn made 203 appearances for Sunderland between 1996 and 2002. He went on to become chairman and manager in July 2006.
He stepped down as manager after only a few weeks following four league defeats in a row but remained as chairman until he was replaced by Short in 2011.
Sunderland are two points adrift at the bottom of the Championship with eight games to go.
Their next game is at Derby on Friday, live on Sky Sports.