Everton takeover: New bid is ‘realistic and credible’ option – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Keith Harris and Vici Private Finance’s bid is a “realistic” takeover option.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed former Toffees director Harris and his backers are “very wealthy and have deep pockets”.
Everton confirmed last week (19 July) that the Friedkin Group will not be progressing with a purchase of the club despite entering a period of exclusivity.
It has been reported (via The Athletic, 19 July) that the breakdown is due to the £200million+ owed to stricken US investors 777 Partners, who saw a takeover of their own break down earlier this year.
Harris and Vici were interested in buying Everton before the Friedkin Group were granted exclusivity.
The 71-year-old was appointed to the Merseysiders’ board in 2016 by current owner Farhad Moshiri before leaving three years later.
Everton suitors Harris and Vici Private Finance have ‘deep pockets’, says Wyness
Wyness claimed Harris is a “credible businessman” and may have a solution to the 777 Partners situation.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think it will still be individual groups coming in for Everton.
“One that has been mentioned is the Vici bid, which Keith Harris has been advising.
“I know Keith well, he’s a credible businessman and he’s managed to get tight and complicated deals across the line before.
“He may have a solution to the 777 issue. Good luck to him if he does.
“I believe his backers are very wealthy and have deep pockets. I think this is the more realistic one.”
In other news, West Ham ready Calvert-Lewin swoop after Everton twist.
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