The US consortium hoping to buy Everton remain keen on a takeover.
An exclusivity period between the group led by Peter Kenyon and Goodison Park supremo Farhad Moshiri expired last week and is not set to be renewed.
Moshiri is now understood to be exploring other investment options to help finance the completion of a new waterfront stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.
But Maciek Kaminski and John Thornton, who are behind the bid fronted by Kenyon, insist they are still keen to strike a deal that would buy the Blues.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Americans said: “As a general principle, we prefer to conduct our business in private to create the fairest environment for those involved – and in this particular situation, to minimize uncertainty for fans of Everton.
“It is regrettable that this has not been possible.
“We respectfully remain interested in acquiring the club as we believe its fans deserve nothing less than the best, and our offer to achieve this stands.
“However, in consideration of all Everton fans, we will not be making further public comments at this time.”