Everton has received a £16m payment from prospective buyers 777 Partners, intended for day-to-day operational costs. This brings the total amount loaned by the Miami-based investment fund to over £200m.
In September, 777 agreed to purchase a 94% stake in the club from owner Farhad Moshiri, though the deal has yet to receive approval from the Premier League.
The main obstacle remains a £158m loan repayment to MSP Sports Capital, which was initially taken out for the construction of the new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
The latest payment was supposed to arrive earlier this month, but a spokesperson for 777 informed BBC Sport that the funds were sent on Tuesday to cover the club’s working capital needs.
A source close to Moshiri, a British-Iranian businessman, reiterated to BBC Sport their commitment to finalizing the deal with 777.
Despite the delay, the recent payment is seen as demonstrating a strong commitment to the takeover, with 777 having previously supported the club’s working capital needs upon request.
Following a 1-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, Everton has secured their Premier League status, moving 11 points clear of the relegation zone with three games left in the season.
BBC Sport has learned that while the club is not seeking insolvency advice, it is exploring ways to restructure its short-term debt to improve manageability.
The club has approximately £400m in debt owed to various third-party companies, primarily used for constructing the new stadium.
Currently, there is no imminent risk of administration as the club continues to meet its financial obligations to key stakeholders including players, staff, stadium construction firm Laing O’Rourke, and HMRC.
Everton has opted not to comment on the matter.
In related news, 777-owned airline Bonza entered voluntary administration on Tuesday, leading to the sudden cancellation of all its flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded across Australia.
The BBC is awaiting a response from 777 regarding the situation with Bonza.
Additionally, 777’s UK public relations advisers have ceased their services for the company after failing to receive payments for fees. It is uncertain if they will resume their representation.