Everton could reportedly be under new ownership by as early as next week, with 777 Partners lining up a takeover deal worth £600 million ($748m).
- Toffees stuck in relegation scrap
- Supporters unhappy with board
- Takeover on the cards at Goodison
WHAT HAPPENED? The Toffees, who find themselves locked in a Premier League relegation battle this season, are hoping to see Farhad Moshiri’s painful reign come to a close. An agreement that will deliver sweeping change in the Goodison Park boardroom is said to be close.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: According to the Daily Mail, 777 Partners have been identified as the club’s preferred bidder – with Everton hoping to push through a sale as quickly as possible despite added guarantees from the Premier League being sought by the American investment fund.
AND WHAT’S MORE: A second bidder, MSP Sports Capital, also remains in the running, but rivals to 777 Partners are running out of time. Everton want a deal pushed through as the next instalment of their £505m ($629m) stadium construction at Bramley Dock is fast approaching. Moshiri currently owns a 94 per cent stake in the club, but he has been unable to attend games at Goodison recently due to supporter-led opposition to his reign.
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WHAT NEXT? 777 are a Miami-based firm that already holds stakes in Genoa, Vasco de Gama, Standard Liege and Sevilla. They inject cash into business and provide the expertise that helps to trigger growth – claiming to “excel at identifying potential where others do not”. Everton, who still face the threat of fines and a potential points deduction following breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations, are eager to get fresh ideas on board.