Everton expecting 'indicative offers' - Stefan Borson drops January takeover reveal

Everton takeover "offers" will be received by the end of the year but the club are unlikely to benefit in the January transfer window.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that it could be another season of "consolidation" on Merseyside.

The Toffees are now officially up for sale, with the American owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) already looking to move on after 21 months in charge.

Former Newcastle United figure Amanda Staveley has been heavily linked with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but no movement has been made just yet.

Despite a lack of support for David Moyes during the summer window, his team are sitting fifth in the Premier League table after six games.

Supporters will be dreaming of a European push, but given TFG's current situation, many could be left disappointed by a lack of ambition shown later down the line.

Everton owners ready to settle for mediocrity

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson has warned Everton fans not to get excited about the season, with the full focus on trying to find a buyer behind the scenes.

"They've had a relatively good start to the season. So it doesn't look like they're going to have the issue where you're balancing the second half of the season with your desire not to spend any money..." he said.

"...Or to certainly limit spending. So I think that the fortunate thing is they're not going have that issue and they've got some flexibility.

"Now, I doubt by the time you get to January, there's much that's happened in relation to a transaction. It's probably by that sort of period, most likely to be kind of indicative offers, relatively early-stage stuff.

"And therefore, you're going to be, I think, probably in this slight bang where they've got maybe some capacity, not a lot, but a new owner's not in place.

"So I think, unfortunately, this season for Everton might be one of consolidation again. Another season in the new stadium, bedding in. 

"Hopefully for them, they finish high enough in the league to generate significant merit awards from the Premier League and no relegation trouble.

"And if you could have that combination and by the end of the season, say there's a new owner that's got the right attitude and desire going forward, that might not be a terrible season."

What are Everton's chances of securing European football?

As it stands, the Toffees have a very good chance of being back in Europe for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.

Opta has predicted Everton to finish seventh in the Premier League table, giving them a 7.88 per cent chance of Europa League qualification, and a 13.75 per cent chance of Champions League qualification.

Moyes, with years of wisdom and experience, will have confidence in himself and his team, but that is nothing without supportive owners.

The Scot desperately needs additions once the January window opens, but being given a sizeable budget seems unlikely in the current situation.