Everton £800m takeover edges closer but Toffees may still need to sell 5 stars

DAN FRIEDKIN has moved a step closer to taking over Everton after entering a period of exclusivity with majority owner Farhad Moshiri.

The American billionaire will now conduct due diligence on the club that owes almost £600million and needs a further £200m to complete the Toffees’ new Bramley-Moore Dock home.

That process is likely to take several weeks at least but a deal with the Roma owner is still expected to be completed.

An Everton statement read: “Blue Heaven Holdings has received significant interest from several highly respected parties interested in investing in the club.

“The club can confirm today (21 June) that a period of exclusivity has been granted to the Friedkin Group to progress discussions to acquire a majority shareholding in Everton.

“All parties will now work together to conclude this process.”

The emergence of Friedkin as a potential saviour will still almost certainly be too late to stop the sale of at least one player before Everton’s year–end accounts are completed on June 30.

The club was deducted a total of eight points last season for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

They have lost £133.1m over the last two years and will face the loss of more points in the coming campaign unless cash comes in to prevent the club going over the £105m red-figure limit over a three-year cycle.

Manchester United have already tried to profit from that financial crisis but a £34m bid for centre half Jarrad Branthwaite was rejected.

United will go back in for the 21-year-old while midfielder Amadou Onana could raise £30m in a move to Arsenal.

Newcastle United are also considering a £25m bid for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin while winger Dwight McNeil and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could also be up for grabs over the next eight days.