Everton takeover decision due in 24 hours as strong favourite emerges - report

Dan Friedkin’s group has now emerge as the “strong favourite” to takeover at Everton, according to The Athletic.

The outlet reported via their website on 14 June that a decision on whether to complete a deal to sell to the Roma owner is now expected with the next 24 hours.

That decision is said to lie with American Friedkin, 59, the Texas-based film producer, as to whether he will buy Farhad Moshiri’s 94 per cent stage in the Toffees.

Rival bids had already been made by MSP Sports Capital, Evertonian businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, a consortium led by Vatche Manoukian, and a new offer led by Vici Private Finance.

Friedkin’s interest was said to be “very serious” [Sky Sports Italy, 8June] even though he wasn’t thought to have actually made an official offer [The Athletic, 8 June].

Dan Friedkin emerges as leader in Everton takeover race

Friedkin’s ownership at Roma had been seen as a considerable stumbling block towards him carrying out a takeover at Goodison Park due to the potential difficulties with multi-club groups’ teams facing each other in future [Talking the Blues, 8 June].

So whether that ultimately leads to yet another twist in the Toffees’ takeover saga or means changes are on the cards for the Serie A side remains to be seen, with Bell and Downing’s bid previously backed as the most suitable by some observers.

But it is just the latest surprise that Moshiri has managed to produce, having spent 37 weeks in an exclusivity agreement throughout last season with 777 Parters, and was then reported to be in serious talks with their main backer A-Cap still despite the collapse of the previous bid [Telegraph, 12 June].

Friedkin would appear more suitable than 777 ever did since his ownership at the Stadio Olimipico has not been characterised by anything like the red flags seen at the likes of Standard Liege.

Forbes estimates the American’s net worth at $6.2billion [£4.89bn] which also suggests he would be able to prove the necessary funds to satisfy the Premier League.

But given how the ownership situation has changed so frequently it remains a moveable feast until an official agreement is announced, which could now be imminently.

In other Everton news, the Toffees have responded after an eight-figure transfer offer was received at Goodison Park.

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