Former Sunderland striker Niall Quinn is thought to be interested in buying his former club, probably along with some investors but this is a dramatic demonstration of 'new player' power.

With the money most premiership players are paid these days throwing a few million away on a former team that they have close ties with isn't such a risky deal as it would have been a few years ago when they were playing for their retirement.

The rumour doing the rounds is Quinn has approached close pal, fellow Irishman and horse racing magnate JP McManus with a proposal. No price has yet been put on the company but I have a feeling a partnership of Quinn and McManus would be welcomed by the supporters.