A second consortium has come forward with an offer to purchase League One-bound Sunderland from Ellis Short, according to a report.

The Sun claims that Hull FC rugby supremo Adam Pearson heads the group attempting to take over the North-East outfit.

There are now thought to be two live bidders for Sunderland, as a local consortium has been in talks with the club for the past few weeks.

Pearson, who has previously worked in the football industry with Leeds United, Hull City and Derby County, is reportedly hoping to convince unpopular owner Short that he is best equipped to take charge and sort out the Black Cats' financial problems.

Short has waived long-standing debts in an attempt to offload Sunderland, who were relegated to the third tier on Saturday with a 2-1 loss at home to Burton Albion.