Keith Wyness reveals what he's heard from sources about Friedkin takeover at Everton

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted he would “welcome” a takeover from American billionaire Dan Friedkin.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed his sources at Roma, the Serie A club under Friedkin’s ownership, have been “impressed” since he bought the club in 2020.

The Friedkin Group has agreed a deal in principle to complete a takeover of Everton, sources have told Football Insider.

Chairman Dan Friedkin, who also owns Roma, is now strong favourite to purchase the Toffees after jumping ahead of four other bidders.

A decision over whether Friedkin wants to exercise the option of buying current owner Farhad Moshiri’s 94% stake could come by the weekend, with Friedkin thought to be flexible about the exact structure of any deal.

American businessman Friedkin, who has a reported net worth of £4.8bn, wants Serie A side Roma and Premier League club Everton to sit at the top of a multi-club model.

Moshiri is now expected to grant the group a period of exclusivity.

Friedkin has moved in front of four rival bidders, including UK-based investment firm Vici Private Finance, MSP Sports Capital, local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing and a consortium involving a Saudi royal.

Wyness ‘welcomes’ Friedkin investment at Everton

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Dan Friedkin owns Roma, and this is a very interesting proposal in my view.

“I’ve talked to sources at Roma, who know how he’s operated and have been very impressed with the way he’s operated.

“He seems to have got to grips with things quickly, he listens to football people – so I’d say that he’s one I would welcome.

“But we need to see more detail.

“We know he’s got access to the finances, so it could be a quick deal to sort out if he puts a bid in.”

In other news, defender rejects multiple Everton contract offers.

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