Former Sunderland striker Niall Quinn has denied reports that he is part of a consortium looking to buy the club.

Rumours emerged claiming that the 51-year-old is involved with a group that have spoken to current owner Ellis Short about a takeover bid.

However, Quinn has denied these reports, insisting that he is not looking to return to Sunderland despite speaking to a group a short time ago.

"Not true. Sadly someone jumped the gun there a little bit and probably felt I was doing more," Quinn told RTE. "I was actually in Sunderland a couple of times but it was nothing to do with football and maybe that's where it came from."

The ex-striker was part of the Drumaville consortium that bought the Black Cats in 2006, before Ellis took control of the club three years later.

Sunderland are currently at the bottom of the Championship table, five points from safety.