Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has briefly discussed a recent meeting that he held with the club's potential new owner William Storey via Roker Report.

With the new League One season beginning today, current Black Cats chief Stewart Donald has pressure mounting on his shoulders as his search for a new buyer of the club continues.

Donald took over the Wearsiders in 2018 but he sensationally revealed after just 19 months in charge that he wanted to sell the club. A whole host of names have since been touted as his successor, including Sammy YuMark CampbellMichael Gray and energy drink entrepreneur Storey to show an interest.

In the latest edition of the Roker Rapport Xtra Podcast, Phillips was quizzed on a recent photo which saw the former striker pictured alongside Storey at St George's Park. Responding to a question on the image, Phillips gave a short answer, saying: "Coincidence. End of. Move on."

Storey, who has been quite vocal about his desire to purchase the Wearsiders, has also seen his takeover bid come under scrutiny after various claims about his financial stability.

As of now, little talk about a takeover is in the media and Sunderland will begin the League One campaign against Bristol Rovers this afternoon still under Donald's ownership.

A brief and wise answer from Phillips - with talk softening over who will own Sunderland or who could take over, it remains to be seen if a deal will actually go through during the 2020/21 season.

That distraction off the field could cause problems, but all that Parkinson and the players can do for now is ensure that they get it right on the pitch and win promotion to the Championship.

Do you think Storey is still a candidate to take over at Sunderland? Let us know in the comments section below...