- A British investment firm are reportedly planning a takeover bid at Everton
- The Toffees have endured a summer of uncertainty full of rampant speculation
- Roma owner Dan Friedkin’s bid to buy the club collapsed earlier this week
The ongoing saga surrounding Everton‘s ownership has reportedly taken yet another turn.
Despite once again staving off relegation under the stewardship of Sean Dyche last season, the Toffees’ backroom situation has been subjected to much speculation this summer.
American firm 777 partners has initially appeared to be frontrunners to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the Merseyside club before talks collapsed after they failed to meet an already extended deadline last month.
Next came Dan Friedkin, owner and CEO of The Friedkin Group.
The American also owns Serie A side Roma and had entered into an exclusivity period with Moshiri before talks broke down with a statement from the club claiming they are going to ‘explore alternative options’.
The uncertain financial situation led to fears the club could be plunged into administration however according to a report from The Sun a potential takeover is back on the cards.
London-based private equity group Vici Private Finance has previously been linked with a move to purchase the club and are now said to have reentered the race.
Vici’s interest could prove a huge boost to Everton, with the group advised by former Toffees board member Keith Harris, and backed by at least two billionaires.
Harris has a positive record in assisting takeovers of football clubs, having played a role in Roman Abramovich’s purchase of Chelsea, Randy Lerner’s acquisition of Aston Villa and Shahid Khan’s deal to buy Fulham.
Despite the uncertain nature of the club’s ownership Dyche has set about improving the side that finished 15th in the Premier League last season.
Former Sheffield United midfielder Iliman Ndiaye has arrived from Marseille in a deal reported to be worth £15m while 21-year-old prospect Tim Iroegbunam joined from Aston Villa.