Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has revealed his excitement after a recent report suggested that new Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is willing to spend £60m this summer if the club earns promotion to the Championship.

Phillips loves Louis-Dreyfus news

Louis-Dreyfus recently purchased Sunderland from former owner Stewart Donald, a move which delighted many of the Wearside outfit’s fans (Roker Report).

A recent report from The Sun suggested that he was willing to part with £60m this summer if Sunderland move up a division, and this news has delighted Phillips. Speaking to Football Insider, the 47-year-old said:

“It would be massive.

“It would be one of the biggest budgets in the Championship, if not the biggest. It is huge money.

“Let’s hope that they get there so Lee Johnson has the chance to spend that kind of money.

“If Sunderland do get promotion, and that money is spent wisely, with a full crowd back in the Stadium of Light, you start to get a little bit excited.

“We need to get there first though. There is still a lot of work to be done on the pitch this season.

“It is really exciting to hear that though. From Lee Johnson’s point of view, hearing that those sorts of funds could be available, he will be absolutely delighted.”

Huge

As Phillips says, this would be a huge boost for all involved at the club, especially manager Lee Johnson. With such a budget, the Black Cats could put together a squad capable of not only staying in the second tier, but even trying to return to the Premier League.

Of course, Sunderland must not get ahead of themselves. After all, they are third in League One and their hopes of automatic promotion are no longer in their own hands after losing 2-1 to Charlton Athletic last weekend. However, it is very positive to hear that Louis-Dreyfus is willing put his hand into his pocket in order to return the good times to the Stadium of Light.

In other news, many Sunderland fans slam this man’s performance against the Addicks.