Everton have seen this entire season dominated by an ongoing takeover which shows no signs of reaching a conclusion anytime soon.
Even with the Premier League practically offering them the easiest way to prove their worth, having continuously failed to do so before, they are still failing to find their way into power.
And yet, inexplicably, they remain frontrunners to usurp Farhad Moshiri.
The Iranian businessman is dead set on allowing Josh Wander and his team to take over, without considering the many alternatives that still remain.
777 Partners have a fresh takeover rival
Just yesterday, journalist Alan Nixon offered a fresh update on American businessman Kevin Malone, who was reportedly considering a ‘rescue’ move to save Everton should 777 Partners fall through.
And whilst we have seen plenty of reports touting takeover rivals for the Miami-based firm, seldom have we seen one claim backed up by another in such quick success.
Well, that is what TEAMtalk have sought to do, penning their own affirmation of Malone’s interest.
They write: ‘With Everton’s top flight status now secure, TEAMtalk sources say that other candidates to buy them will begin to emerge.
‘We can confirm that Malone’s interest in Everton is genuine. He is waiting to see what happens with 777 Partners’ takeover before submitting a concrete offer.
‘Whoever takes over Everton will face plenty of challenges, with the upcoming transfer window expected to be a real challenge in terms of signings and exits.’
Everton desperately need a stable new owner
Whether it be Malone, 777 Partners, MSP or someone else entirely, all Everton and Sean Dyche need now is stability.
After all, the fact that they have managed to avoid the drop amidst such uncomfortable and awkward circumstances is so admirable, and it has provoked thoughts over how far they might be able to progress should all this off-pitch turmoil be solved.
Were it not for their eight-point deduction this season, administered due to Moshiri’s unrelenting financial misconduct, the Toffees would currently sit on 45 points from 36 games and 13th in the Premier League.
This is a remarkable feat given this is a squad hardly massively different from the one that has narrowly survived by the skin of their teeth in the two seasons before.
And it is not even about the financial backing for Dyche, but more the safety of an ownership that has his back and will work towards forging a more sustainable future for him and the club.
Should they gain that over the summer, next season, the club’s last in Goodison Park, could be an impressive one where all expectations are defied.