Lifelong Everton fans AJ Bell and George Downing are hopeful that owner Farhad Moshiri will accept their bid to buy the club as soon as next week, talkSPORT understands.
Bell and Downing, with a combined net worth of around £900 million, have submitted an offer worth hundreds of millions to take control of their boyhood club. They are being backed by American billionaire Michael Dell, founder of computer giant Dell, who is thought to be worth around £78 billion.
It is understood Dell’s private investment firm, MSD Partners, will be providing financial support rather than leading the bid.
Bell and Downing have already loaned the Toffees £50 million of their own money to help with cash flow issues during the ill-fated takeover attempt by 777 Partners.
The duo have decided to step in to avert the threat of Everton being forced into administration and are committed to funding the completion of the new stadium build at Bramley-Moore Dock. They believe Premier League financial rules now favor fan-owned clubs because PSR (profit and sustainability rules) restrict spending and encourage clubs to grow their revenues rather than rely on rich owners.
talkSPORT understands there is also interest from US billionaire Dan Friedkin, owner and president of Serie A giants Roma.
Earlier this month, Everton confirmed that the takeover led by 777 Partners had collapsed. Owner Farhad Moshiri was tied into a period of exclusivity with the US investment group until May 31, with the agreement coming to an end. There were also concerns over 777 Partners’ ability to provide long-term funding for Everton if they took over.
Toffees fans will be hoping a takeover can be completed as soon as possible ahead of the summer. Premier League clubs are allowed to start trading from June 14 onwards, with the window closing on August 30.
Everton will be eyeing improvement next season following a campaign that saw them deducted a total of eight points for breaching the Premier League’s PSR rules. This deduction put them at risk of relegation, but Sean Dyche’s side managed to finish 15th, 14 points clear of the drop.
Credit: TalkSport
