NATIONAL LEAGUE club Gateshead have been linked with a shocked takeover move by Victor Anichebe.
The former Everton and Sunderland ace is reportedly heading a consortium to buy the club.
Supporters have owned Gateshead since 2019 after they were relegated to the sixth tier due to financial irregularities.
The Heed then returned to the National League under the guidance of ex-Newcastle star Mike Williamson, also guiding them to a win in the FA Trophy.
However, the club could soon be in line for a change of management.
It comes after a report from the Chronicle claiming Anichebe was considering a takeover.
The retired 36-year-old has been spotted at several matches at the Gateshead International Stadium.
Anichebe had spells at Everton, West Brom and Sunderland, scoring 38 goals in 250 games for the three clubs, including 27 Premier League goals from 204 appearances.
Speculation over a deal first came to light following a claim by Yeovil manager Mark Cooper when he alleged someone had agreed a deal with his player Frank Nouble to join Gateshead.
He said: “Frank wanted to go to Gateshead. Somebody from Gateshead approached him that we’ve now found out, has no influence or doesn’t own the football club.
“I think this person did a deal with Frank’s agent, which obviously unsettled Frank.
“Which it would do because he had a good deal going to Gateshead. And then, it went quiet. We then found out that there was no deal.
“The person doing the deal with Frank’s agent and Frank had no jurisdiction to do the deal, because as far as I’m aware he doesn’t yet own Gateshead.
“Really disappointing from Gateshead’s side of it and feel sorry for Frank really, but he wanted to go.
“He made it clear he wanted to go and play for Gateshead, we granted that wish, but it’s fell through, so we’ll wait to see what happens.”
But the club are remaining tight-lipped on any potential deal.
The Chronicle report the club responded with a “no comment” reply when asked about the takeover.
SunSport have contacted the club for comment.
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