NIALL QUINN could be set for a sensational return to crisis-club Sunderland.

The former Black Cats striker and chairman is in talks with an Irish businessman to take the club off Ellis Short’s hands.

4 Niall Quinn could be set for another stunning return to Sunderland Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin

American billionaire Short, who bought the club from an Irish consortium in 2009, is willing to offload it on the cheap.

He has become increasingly unpopular with fans after the side followed relegation from the Premier League last season by sinking to the bottom of the Championship.

The new owners will have to take on the club’s legacy debt — estimated to be around £70million when the investment owed to Short is deducted.

He had been in talks with a German consortium but it is believed Sunderland may be returning to Irish ownership.

4 The former Black Cats striker and chairman is in talks with an Irish businessman to take over the club Credit: PA:Press Association

4 Ellis Short is willing to offload the crisis-hit club on the cheap Credit: PA:Press Association

When they last flirted with relegation from the Championship in 2006, 51-year-old Quinn led a group of Irish businessmen — the Drumaville Consortium — in a £10m buy-out from Bob Murray.

The turnaround was instant as newly appointed manager Roy Keane led them to promotion.

Quinn stayed as chairman until 2011 before resigning after spending five months as director of international development.

Efforts to contact Quinn over the weekend were unsuccessful.

4 Sunderland fans have been desperate to get Short out of the club Credit: Rex Features