Dan Friedkin has become the new favourite in Everton’s takeover battle.
Friedkin recently emerged as a potential suitor, having already built up a small portfolio of clubs with ownership of Roma and French fourth-tier side Cannes.
The 59-year-old’s Friedkin Group is now said to be closing in on a deal with current majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to take control of the Blues.
Moshiri has entertained several proposals since the collapse of 777 Partners’ buy-in; the third broken exclusivity deal in his two-year search for investment.
Andy Bell and George Downing had been early forerunners with a bid backed by BDT & MSD Partners, who have links with tech billionaire Michael Dell.
777’s former takeover rivals MSP Sport Capital were also interested alongside a consortium fronted by London-based Vatche Manoukian.
Earlier this week, Vici Private Finance entered the fray with plans to transform not only Everton’s fortunes but also the area bordering Bramley-Moore Dock.
But Manoukian confirmed his consortium’s withdrawal from the bidding process on Friday, effectively allowing Friedkin to assume the box seat,
“Everton fans deserve to be competing for trophies once again and we hope this deal delivers success for the club on and off the pitch,” read a statement.
“I want to thank our world-class investors for their support and we are excited to turn our focus to new opportunities to take great clubs to the next level.”