The Friedkin Group has reached an agreement in principle to take over Everton, BBC Sport understands.
Chairman Dan Friedkin, who also owns Roma, has emerged as the leading contender to purchase the Toffees, surpassing four other bidders.
A decision on whether Friedkin will exercise the option to buy current owner Farhad Moshiri’s 94% stake could be made by the weekend.
American businessman Friedkin, with a reported net worth of £4.8bn, aims to position Serie A side Roma and Premier League club Everton at the top of a multi-club model.
Moshiri is now expected to grant the group a period of exclusivity.
Friedkin has outpaced four rival bidders, including UK-based investment firm Vici Private Finance, MSP Sports Capital, local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, and a consortium involving a Saudi royal.
Everton finished 15th last season after being docked eight points for breaching Premier League financial rules. They must comply with the league’s profit and sustainability rules by the end of this month.
They are also scheduled to make a payment to US-based firm MSP, which is one of Friedkin’s rival bidders, having loaned the club around £158m.
Everton has confirmed their move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of the 2025-26 season.
The Friedkin Group took control of Serie A side Roma in 2020 and oversaw the appointment of manager Jose Mourinho the following year.