EXCLUSIVE: The scramble to take over Everton takes a dramatic turn with MSP Sports Capital confident they can close a deal by MONDAY while outselling rival bidders 777 Partners – and will guarantee their purchase even if the Toffees are relegated
- 777 wanted guarantees that the club would play in the Premier League next year
- A deal could be struck that could free up money to improve the squad
- Crunch talks will continue over the weekend as a sale gets closer and closer
The battle for Everton is set to take a dramatic turn – with MSP Sports Capital confident they can secure a deal for the club on Monday.
If Mail sports revealed earlier this week that rival American outfit 777 Partners were leading the race, but after a fast 48 hours, it appears their £600 million bid may now not earn them the club from deeply unpopular owner Farhad Moshiri.
Crunch talks will continue this weekend, but insiders have revealed that MSP feel they can sneak in and secure a deal for the Toffees, who are fighting for their survival in the Premier League.
While this paper revealed that 777 presumably wanted guarantees that Everton would remain in the top flight, MSP will guarantee their purchase even if Sean Dyche’s side are relegated. They are currently one point above the drop zone for Saturday’s trip to Wolves.
Bournemouth head to Goodison Park next Sunday for the final game of the season, which could determine their fate.
MSP Sports Capital expects to close a deal to buy Everton next Monday
They have overtaken 777 Partners in the race to buy the club – Josh Wander, one of the managing partners at 777, is pictured
A sale would end the much-criticized reign of current owner Farhad Moshiri
Earlier this year, MSP was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. But those close to the process say their focus has always been on Everton and they have been exploring a deal for the Merseyside club for some time.
A deal could be structured for Everton, which – in theory – frees up money to be spent on infrastructure and the playing team.
A key issue is the construction of Everton’s £505 million new stadium at Bramley Moore dock. The next installment is due soon and funds are needed to ensure it is paid.
777 would have wanted guarantees that Everton would play in the Premier League next season
Fans who have protested will be answered if Moshiri wants to sell the club
Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi is the chairman of MSP, while Jeff Moorad, a former agent, is the CEO. The company is called Moorad Sports Partners.
Moorad was a co-inspiration for the hit film Jerry Maguire. Large parts were filmed in his office, and the iconic phrase “show me the money” is said to have come from a conversation he had with an NFL star.
The pair were in Goodison in January to attend Everton’s defeat to Southampton.
MSP has interests in other European football clubs, including the Danish Brondby, the Spanish AD Alcorcon and GD Estoril Praia in Portugal.