HULL rugby league supremo Adam Pearson is heading a consortium trying to buy crisis club Sunderland.

Pearson and his team have approached Ellis Short and are now one of two live bidders for the Black Cats, who have been relegated to League One.

4 Adam Pearson has experience of working in football after spending time at Leeds, Hull and Derby Credit: Bradley Ormesher - The Times

Experienced negotiator Pearson has worked in football at Leeds, Hull and Derby and is used to facing financial problems.

In his time at the Tigers he took them to the top flight in a sensational run.

And Sunderland will need some of that magic touch.

Pearson’s backers are a closely-guarded secret but they think their offer will be better than a local consortium who have been talking for weeks.

4 Ellis Short is trying to sell struggling Sunderland following their relegation Credit: PA:Empics Sport

4 Sunderland fans have seen their side drop from the Premier League to league One Credit: Rex Features

Short has told buyers he will waive the debts owed to him in his time in charge.

However there is a further bank debt that needs to be sorted.

Hull FC owner Pearson’s group hope to convince Short that they are best equipped to take charge and sort out the huge payroll as Sunderland slip into the third tier.

4 Chris Coleman could not save Sunderland from relegation Credit: PA:Press Association