Vatche Manoukian closes in on Everton takeover – sources
Vatche Manoukian is leading the bidding race to buy Everton after submitting a £400million offer for the club, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the Armenian businessman’s consortium is one five parties interested in securing a takeover at Goodison Park.
Farhad Moshiri is looking to land a new deal for his 94.1 per cent stake in Everton after 777 Partners’ takeover fell through despite agreeing a £500million deal last September.
Alongside Manoukian’s bid, local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, MSP Sports Capital, Roma owner Dan Friedkin, Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and A-Cap’s Kenneth King are all believed to have expressed an interest in buying the club.
Manoukian’s consortium reportedly includes a member of the Saudi royal family after submitting an offer following the collapse of 777’s deal.
O’Rourke revealed it could be at least a couple of months before any of the parties can complete a takeover as there will be an exclusivity period and the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test to come through first.
Vatche Manoukian among five parties eyeing in Everton takeover
Football Insider first revealed last month American bidders had contacted Moshiri about buying the Merseyside giants.
John Textor was believed to be leading the race, but complications surrounding his 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace means he’s now effectively out of the running to take over Everton.
But there are other parties still at the table as Moshiri looks to offload his shares following the financial struggles the Merseysiders have faced recently.
Reports have suggested MSP has submitted a new bid for Everton with a view to taking full control of the club, with the offer said to be a “a complex mix of equity and debt”.
MSP have already supplied £158million in loans to the club and will come into ownership of the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and 51 per cent of Moshiri’s shareholding if that debt is not repaid.
Everton-supporting businessmen Bell and Downing have also submitted offers to rival Manoukian’s proposal.
Although there are concerns remaining over the Merseysiders’ financial situation, finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider the club can survive on Premier League money until the end of July.
In other news, Bayern Munich push ahead to sign Everton star.
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