CM introduces FPP to SD and they agree a price for the sale,subject to due diligence.....normal business practice.
Following dd,FPP offer a price which is acceptable to SD,subject to the club being in the Championship,which is a distinct possibility at the time.Deal scheduled to complete as soon as promotion is certain. Everybody happy.
Matters on the pitch go sour, SD replaces JR with PP....deal still on. FPP,knowing the situation,and that SD does not have bottomless pockets, agree to advance £10m or so to ensure promotion does not fail from lack of funds...to be deducted from sale price,as and when. SD very happy with that.
Things are going ok.....a good run on the pitch,but it stalls and promotion does not look as promising as it once did,maybe play-off lottery,therefore some clauses in the deal come into play,one of which is that SD is able to look for an alternative buyer,bearing in mind that if he finds one,the £10m becomes a loan which must be repaid before any sale to a third party.
Covid-19 then intervenes.....everyone in limbo. Financial implications weighing on everyone.
Position now:
SD desperate to sell,and talking to anyone who looks able to complete deal. FPP still willing to buy a Championship Sunderland at agreed price,and willing to wait, at least for the moment.
Pick holes in that,you lot!