The Everton ownership saga has taken a fresh twist in the last 48 hours after it was reported that Farhad Moshiri is considering terminating the deal with the 777 Partners.
Back in September, an agreement was struck between Moshiri and the Miami-based owners worth around £550m over the purchase of a 94.1 per cent stake in Everton.
Since then, they have pumped in more than £200m to fund day-to-day running costs, player wages and stadium building costs at Bramley-Moore Dock.
However, they have yet to receive the green signal from the Premier League and doubts remain whether they will pass the ownership tests after nine months of delay.
According to talkSPORT journalist, Alex Crook, Everton staff has resigned themselves to the fact the deal is a non-starter.
If the deal is terminated, Moshiri will look to sell the club to other bidders. American investment group MSP are now ready to launch a rival takeover bid. However, Moshiri is not in a strong position to ask for a bumper pay-off.
“Farhad Moshiri faces being forced to walk away from Everton with nothing as the ill-fated takeover by 777 Partners stands on the brink of collapse,” wrote Crook.
“talkSPORT understands Everton staff have resigned themselves to the fact the deal is a non-starter having waited nine months for Premier League approval, and fellow American investment group MSP are now ready to launch a rival takeover bid.”
Everton find themselves in complete mess
Sean Dyche has done a terrific job this season in guiding the Toffees to Premier League safety. Considering that they have lost ten points, the achievement looks more remarkable.
The situation off the pitch needs to be sorted out. Everton are a historic club, and it is unthinkable that they should be run by owners whose financial credibility has come under serious doubt.
The 777 Partners are also struggling to keep their other projects in good shape, which has raised grave concerns. They own Belgium football club Standard Liege, and the club have been told that their staff and players won’t be paid until the end of the season.
Many have shared concerns about whether the Toffees could face administration, but such ideas are premature. Richard Buxton has said that while it is not beyond the realms of possibility, a lot of thinks will need to go horribly wrong before that stage can come into consideration.
