One of the brains behind Roman Abramovich’s historic Chelsea takeover is now playing a key role for a group who want to buy Everton.
Farhad Moshiri is looking for an investor to purchase his 94 per cent stake in Everton following the collapse of a year-long attempted buyout by investment 777 Partners.
So far, nine parties have either explored the possibility of lodged a formal bid.
It now appears that, according to a report by The Athletic, AS Roma owner Dan Friedkin is the frontrunner to acquire the club and could be chosen as the preferred bidder in the next 24 hours.
That will be a blow for the other parties who have come forward, including the Vici group, who only yesterday emerged as a contender.
Keith Harris pulling strings at Vici as £1bn in funds promised
As reported by BBC Sport, Vici have enlisted former Everton director Keith Harris to advise them on a potential takeover of the club.
Harris has masterminded Abramovich’s takeover of Chelsea as well Randy Lerner’s acquisition of Aston Villa and Shahid Khan’s Fulham buyout.
He is a respected operator and, if Vici can get Moshiri to change his mind about Friedkin and consider their bid, would be a vital cog in the takeover process.
Vici have also shown proof of funds worth £1bn, which is vital for Everton given their current cash flow issues.
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Who are Vici, the group looking to buy Everton?
Details on Vici as an investment firm are thin on the ground.
The most information about the power behind the throne at the company is that it is the investment vehicle of two western billionaires.
The company are also headquartered in London.