Despite the summer transfer window having now opened, attention at Everton instead remains on the takeover saga.
It has dominated the entire year in all honesty, alongside a few other key disruptions, and has arguably made the job Sean Dyche has done even more impressive.
The former Burnley boss has navigated hefty financial restraints, PSR punishments outside of his control and 777 Partners’ protracted and ultimately failed takeover attempt.
However, in finally admitting their inability to assume control, it has opened up a wealth of opportunities for alternative bidders, much to the delight of Evertonians.
John Textor is out of the Everton takeover race
The latest comes courtesy of The Telegraph, who claim that John Textor, despite his vocal admiration for the club, is now out of contention to purchase Everton.
The report reads: ‘John Textor is out of the running to buy Everton despite dealmakers believing he had met Farhad Moshiri’s sale terms for a takeover.
‘A breakdown in talks with the Crystal Palace co-owner was sparked by Moshiri declining to sign an initial term sheet when the American tabled an offer.’
This comes just weeks after the American was full of praise for the Toffees, telling The Athletic: ‘Everton represents the best of English football: the struggles, the glory, the want. I love that it’s out of London. Everybody should want to buy Everton right now.
‘That kind of club is what I’m referring to, where the risk and the reward of your relationship and community is so great and you could come in, make promises and keep them. How great would it be to take one of these great English clubs back to sort of glory?’
Who else is trying to buy Everton?
Naturally, Textor is not the only man seeking to invest in Everton, even if he was the first to openly admit his interest whilst 777 Partners were still in the driving seat.
Their exclusivity agreement with Moshiri had been airtight for many months, and following an extension, it truly felt like a conclusion would never come.
That was until the 31st of May, when that fateful day finally came when the Miami-based firm’s stranglehold was lifted.
Now, there are a whole host of new suitors, with local Evertonians George Downing and Andy Bell having stepped forward in their takeover bid.
However, Roma owner and billionaire Dan Friedkin is another seeking to add the Toffees to his multi-club model, whilst another consortium led by businessman Vatche Manoukian has already tabled a bid to Moshiri.
The options are endless, and at last, it feels like a promising future is right around the corner after so many years of misery for Everton.