EASTLEIGH chairman Stewart Donald says it’s “extremely unlikely” that he will become part of a consortium to rescue ailing Sunderland.

There is much take-over talk surrounding The Mackems, who have been relegated to League One, and millionaire businessman Donald has confirmed he has been asked to get involved.

If he did, it would mean cutting his ties with Eastleigh but, in an interview with BBC Radio Solent, Donald stressed: “It would have to be something sensational for that to happen because I’ve put an awful lot of work and an awful lot of money into Eastleigh and I’ve got my heart set on getting them to the Championship.”

Asked if the Spitfires would be in a position to fulfil their lofty ambitions without him, Donald said: “If, for any reason, this deal looks different to all the others I’ve been asked to invest in, the football club (Eastleigh) is debt-free, it’s run in a certain way and there is no way on this earth that I would ever jeopardise Eastleigh’s future over making a few pounds somewhere else.

“Run properly with the new facilities and the revenue that comes in from the car parking, Eastleigh would probably have a top-six budget.

“The club is in a position whereby, without me, it could be self-sustainable.

“But I would stress that is very, very unlikely to happen. I am committed to Eastleigh but, I suppose, never say never.”

Assuming he is staying, Donald said he would put in “as much investment as the playing squad needs” next season. But he stressed: “It will be value for money.”