DAN FRIEDKIN has moved a step closer to taking over Everton after entering a period of exclusivity with majority owner Farhad Moshiri.
The American billionaire will now conduct due diligence on the club that owes almost £600million and needs a further £200m to complete the Toffees’ new Bramley-Moore Dock home.
That process is likely to take several weeks at least but a deal with the Roma owner is still expected to be completed.
An Everton statement read: “Blue Heaven Holdings has received significant interest from several highly respected parties interested in investing in the club.
“The club can confirm today (21 June) that a period of exclusivity has been granted to the Friedkin Group to progress discussions to acquire a majority shareholding in Everton.
“All parties will now work together to conclude this process.”
The emergence of Friedkin as a potential saviour will still almost certainly be too late to stop the sale of at least one player before Everton’s year–end accounts are completed on June 30.
The club was deducted a total of eight points last season for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
They have lost £133.1m over the last two years and will face the loss of more points in the coming campaign unless cash comes in to prevent the club going over the £105m red-figure limit over a three-year cycle.
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Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
Nottingham Forest
Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
Everton
Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
Sheffield United
Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
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Manchester City
Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
Chelsea
Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
Leicester
Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
Everton (again)
The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.
Manchester United have already tried to profit from that financial crisis but a £34m bid for centre half Jarrad Branthwaite was rejected.
United will go back in for the 21-year-old while midfielder Amadou Onana could raise £30m in a move to Arsenal.
Newcastle United are also considering a £25m bid for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin while winger Dwight McNeil and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could also be up for grabs over the next eight days.
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Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Atletico Madrid over £30m-rated striker Samu Omorodion.
Leicester City have announced Steve Cooper as their new manager after the Graham Cooper deal collapsed.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are set to reject a bid from Atletico for midfielder Conor Gallagher, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
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