STEWART Donald says Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales was happy with Uruguayan Juan Sartori being invited to watch the U’s in action.

Sartori was at the home game with Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, but is yet to meet Eales, who only got back into the country on Thursday after being abroad on a business trip and short holiday.

Wealthy businessman Donald, from Hanborough, entertained Sartori in his executive box, but says he had the blessing of United’s chairman, who was aware he was due to be at the game.

As revealed in Thursday’s Oxford Mail, two parties are interested in getting involved with the U’s – a Chinese consortium and Sartori, the son-in-law of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.

Donald, a lifelong U’s fan, is heavily involved in helping supporters’ trust OxVox try to negotiate a sale of the Kassam Stadium with landlord Firoz Kassam to make it a community-owned facility.

He explained his involvement on a fans’ forum website.

“Darryl has publicly stated he would welcome financial support to push the club forward whether that is in the ground, club or both,” he said.

“I, with his agreement, have mentioned that to a few people I know who I feel are the right type of people and with the ability to help.

“Juan has shown an interest and I have put them in touch.

“I advised Darryl that Juan was in the country and suggested he come to a game.

“Darryl advised he was out of the country, but thought it was a good idea.

“Juan and Darryl will take things from here if there is a mutual desire to do something.”

He added: “I will continue to see what progress can be made with the OxVox on the ground with Firoz, who is also aware of the latest developments.

“Everyone is in discussions with each other for the benefit of OUFC, but nothing is certain.”

Eales has gone on record as saying he has not received any offers for the club.