Sources: Everton chiefs worried about takeover 'disaster' after Thelwell submits three transfer plans to new owners

Sources: Everton chiefs worried about takeover 'disaster' after Thelwell submits three transfer plans to new owners

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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There is growing disquiet among senior Everton figures about how much investment there will be into the team from potential new owners 777 Partners, sources have told Football Insider.

Farhad Moshiri is in advanced negotiations with the US-based private investment group about ending his turbulent tenure as majority shareholder.

Sources have told Football Insider that Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell has submitted three different player recruitment plans to 777 chiefs to outline how the squad can be reshaped in future transfer windows once the takeover is complete.

The response from the potential new owners is believed to have been so cold that there is growing concern among senior Goodison figures about their interest in investing in the team.

It is said that 777 are planning to invest in the construction of the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, but not in the playing squad.

That, one well-placed source says, could lead to "disaster", with an already struggling team "expected to be relegated" without significant investment.

This season, Everton have lost three of their opening four Premier League fixtures, and there have been extensive complaints about the club’s failure to recruit adequately over the summer.

The club is also preparing to appear before an independent commission on October 25 over its alleged breach of financial fair play rules.

Cumulative losses over the past five years now amount to more than £430 million. Under Premier League rules, clubs are permitted losses of up to £105 million over a three-year period, but Everton blamed the Covid-19 pandemic for part of the losses.

Talks between Iranian-British businessman Moshiri and 777 have accelerated in recent weeks and there have even been suggestions that a deal could even be finalised this week.

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