The Friedkin Group is reportedly in advanced negotiations to take over Everton, resuming discussions with the club’s majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri.
Dan Friedkin, who also owns Serie A side Roma, had initially reached an agreement in principle to acquire Moshiri’s 94% stake in June.
However, talks broke down the following month, and earlier efforts by Miami-based 777 Partners to secure a deal had also fallen through.
In a complicated takeover saga, Crystal Palace owner John Textor was granted a “qualified period of exclusivity” in August.
However, sources now indicate that a deal with the Friedkin Group may be “close,” though no official confirmation has been made.
Neither the Friedkin Group, Moshiri, nor Everton have commented on the ongoing discussions.
The Friedkin Group had previously lent £200 million to the club, which could be converted into equity as part of any final agreement.
A key obstacle in the original takeover attempt was said to be legal issues involving 777 Partners in the US, though this has been contested by those involved, who argue that the legal filings were publicly known well before the takeover bid.
Friedkin, whose estimated net worth is £4.8 billion, reportedly aims to have both Roma and Everton under a multi-club model.
Meanwhile, Everton remains in poor form under manager Sean Dyche, sitting joint-bottom of the Premier League with only one point from five games.
What does this mean for Textor?
Just 11 days ago, John Textor was the frontrunner to purchase Everton, with the club releasing a statement acknowledging his “progress” while noting that “some work” remained to finalize the transaction.
Textor, who has been open about his desire to own the Blues, likened it to becoming president of the United States, and disclosed that he had a deadline of November 30 to complete the deal.
However, the acquisition was complicated by his 45% stake in Crystal Palace, as Premier League regulations prevent individuals from holding ownership in more than one club.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Textor said: “Let’s be frank, the failure of others has been the blessing that we get to walk in to – which means that anybody could outbid me at any time.
“I have a qualified period of exclusivity, but exclusives don’t matter if Farhad gets an offer tomorrow that is supremely better than mine.”