United States businessman Ellis Short has taken total control of Sunderland.

Short has increased his 30% majority stake to 100% and bought out the Niall Quinn consortium which had taken over the Black Cats in 2006.

Quinn, who will continue as chairman, told the Sunderland website: "This is fantastic news for the club.

"As long as we invest the funds wisely, he will continue to provide the financial muscle necessary to compete at the highest level."

Short, a Texas-based private equity tycoon, became the biggest investor in the Black Cats in September 2008..

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Quinn, a former Black Cats striker, said: "I first met Ellis at the Ryder Cup in 2006 and he was immediately interested in the Sunderland story. He caught the football bug following his move to the UK 10 years ago

"Even before today he has personally invested more in Sunderland than all previous chairmen, directors and owners combined."

The move by Short makes Sunderland the fourth Premier League club to have US owners, joining Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

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