Sunderland have held talks with Niall Quinn and his consortium in Dublin as moves to sell the club gather pace.
Chairman Bob Murray, vice chairman John Fickling, chief executive Peter Walker and director of marketing and communications Lesley Callaghan flew to Ireland on Tuesday for further discussions with Quinn and his partners.
The talks, which were held in private, took place at the Great Southern Hotel near Dublin Airport.
Stock Exchange rules mean the club cannot comment on the progress or otherwise of the consortium's bid to buy out majority shareholder Murray, although it is understood the tone of the latest meeting was positive.
A spokesman told PA Sport: 'I can confirm discussions between the board and Niall Quinn are ongoing, but because of the takeover code we are unable to comment further.'
