[AMERICANS ABROAD] Another American snapped up an English Premier League when billionaire Ellis Short took control of Sunderland. The Texan was expected to give new manager Steve Bruce more than $100 million in funds to spend on the summer transfer market.

Short, 48, made his fortune in the private equity business and the operation of hedge funds.

He has an interest in buying other British properties, having purchased Skibo Castle, an ultra-exclusive Scottish retreat and turning it into a hotel and country club, where Madonna married Guy Ritchie in 2000.

Teams with American owners finished 1-2-6: Manchester United (Malcolm Glazer), Liverpool (Tom Hicks and George Gillett) and Aston Villa (Randy Lerner).

Sunderland survived a fierce relegation battle, finishing 16th in the 20-team EPL.

It was one of two EPL clubs to change hands in the last week.

Portsmouth was sold to a consortium led by Dubai businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim.