Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips believes that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' takeover could take place as early as next week.

Takeover imminent?

The French billionaire-heir was in the stands as Sunderland slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Shrewsbury Town, since the 22-year-old announced on Christmas Eve that a deal to become the new owner had been agreed.

The uncertainly off the pitch seems to be having an impact on the team's actions on it with 11 draws to their name this season.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Louis-Dreyfus visited the Academy of Light training ground as EFL confirmation of his inheritance from Stewart Donald awaits.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips believes that it could be a big week for the future of Sunderland Football Club.

“It’s been frustrating. Is he taking over, isn’t he taking over? Has he given the green light for those loans and transfers in the window?

“There’s a lot of uncertainty. So if they can get it done and dusted in the next week that’s promising.

“It’s promising that he’s been to the Academy of Light, that tells me that he’s there for one reason and one reason only, to get it sorted. They can put that to bed and concentrate on getting it right on the pitch and at the minute it’s typical Sunderland.

“It’s up and down, it’s as inconsistent as it has been for a long time. They need that consistency off the pitch and then transfer that onto the pitch.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

If this is true, then it could be a huge seven days for Sunderland.

The long wait for the supporters could be over, which means that everyone can concentrate on affairs away from the board and on the football pitch where it matters

Time will tell whether Phillips' prediction is right - or if the fans will be forced to wait just that little bit longer.

In other news, Claim made by reliable Sunderland reporter excited segments of the Stadium of Light faithful.