Sunderland today made a statement, via SAFC.com, confirming that talks had started with the consortium headed by Niall Quinn, regarding the proposed buy-out / takeover of the club. The statement reads:

Further to the announcement on 28 March 2006 by Bob Murray, chairman and controlling shareholder of the Company, stating he would be willing to consider a change of control of the Company, the Board of Sunderland Limited confirms that it is in discussions with a consortium of private investors led by Niall Quinn that may or may not lead to an offer for the Company being made.
Zeus Capital has been appointed as independent financial adviser to the Company in order to represent the interests of all shareholders in relation to this proposal.
Shareholders will be kept informed of further developments.

The Club have also announced today that a new away kit will be on sale in early June. Basically, its a sky blue shirt, with navy shorts and socks. It looks like this:

Hopefully, the players won't look quite as gormless when they are playing in it for real. ;-)