Sunday, September 22, 2024

Everton fans worth £900m hope to become new owners with seven-figure offer

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Lifelong Everton fans AJ Bell and George Downing are hopeful owner Farhad Moshiri will accept their bid to buy the club as soon as next week, talkSPORT understands.

Bell and Downing, who have a combined net worth of around £900million, have submitted a formal seven-figure offer to take control of their boyhood club.

Everton’s wait for a takeover could soon come to an endCredit: Getty

They are being backed by American billionaire Michael Dell, founder of computer giants Dell, who is thought to be worth around £78billion.

It is understood Dell’s private investment firm MSD Partners will be providing financial support rather than being at the forefront of the bid.

Bell and Downing have already loaned the Toffees £50m 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 their new stadium build at Bramley-Moore Dock.

They believe Premier League financial rules are now favouring fan-owned clubs because PSR [profit and sustainability rules] restricts spending and encourages clubs to grow their revenues rather than rely on rich owners.

This comes after Everton confirmed that the takeover led by 777 Partners had collapsed earlier this month.

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.

Bell [right] could be set to take over at Goodison ParkCredit: Getty
Owner Moshiri recently saw 777 Partners’ move collapseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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.

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Everton will be eyeing improvement in next season following a campaign that saw them get deducted a total of eight points for breaching the Premier League’s PSR rules.

It put them at threat of relegation but Sean Dyche’s side were able to finish 15th and 14 points clear of the drop.

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