Everton’s ownership situation gets more and more murky as the weeks go by.
Farhad Moshiri has mentally moved on from Merseyside already, and quite clearly just wants to wash his hands of the club that he has haemorrhaged financially.
The Toffees have cost him a king’s ransom, but their regression is largely through his own failures.
Now, desperate to offload to anyone who will take them, 777 Partners have remained the frontrunners for many months now.
That was, until John Textor’s Everton interest was revealed, and this takeover saga took a fresh turn.
Farhad Moshiri holds crunch takeover meeting
Now, writing for his Patreon, journalist Alan Nixon would offer the latest on Textor’s interest in Everton, whilst also revealing how Andy Bell and George Downing, two of the key figures related to MSP’s touted takeover from a few months ago, were also present at a recent meeting.
He writes: ‘American sports tycoon John Textor has met with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri as he looks to swap clubs.
‘Textor flew into Spain to join in a summit with under pressure Moshiri and major money men and Evertonians Andy Bell and George Downing.
‘The wheeler dealer is now definitely in the race as 777 Partners falter but other interested parties are also in discussions.
‘Textor’s mixed relationship with his fellow Palace co owners is set to end as he now actively looks to sell his sizeable share.
‘And the man who also owns French club Lyon and Brazilians Botofogo is planning to invest in another English top flight club. Everton are not the only one.
‘Textor could come to the rescue at Everton but would need to dispose of his Palace shares or break the rules.
Everton need a decision before the summer is over
Regardless of who is selected to assume control at Everton, the decision is one that needs to be made fast.
And whilst it cannot be rushed, as it was Moshiri’s speed and desperation that nearly saw them foolishly handed over to 777 Partners, it could scupper their entire summer and in turn next season too if they go on without owners.
There is no benefit in dragging out a process that has already spanned nine months, as it not only sees the Toffees fall deeper into a financial pit, but also makes them a far less desirable asset for whoever should take the plunge.
Textor has already outlined his intentions to purchase the club, and in doing so spoke supremely highly of Everton.
It is refreshing to see someone so enthused by the size of this massive Premier League institution, and were they to boast an owner with that kind of appreciation, perhaps there might actually be a future where financial disparity does not consume their every move.