Struggling Everton confirm period of exclusivity for takeover completion | OneFootball

Everton have confirmed that a period of exclusivity has been granted to The Friedkin Group after a bid was accepted last week.

The Toffees have been searching for a buyer since January 2023 and had previously struck a deal with American firm 777 Partners, only for their period of exclusivity to end without a formal takeover agreement.

With new offers once again welcome, The Friedkin Group, led by Roma owner Dan Friedkin, had a bid accepted by current owner Farhad Moshiri last week.

"Blue Heaven Holdings has received significant interest from several highly respected parties interested in investing in the Club," a statement read. "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. In the meantime, the Club will continue to operate as normal."

Any agreement between Friedkin and Moshiri would still be subject to the approval of the Premier League, which is unlikely to be an issue.

Reports place Friedkin's net worth at just under £5bn.

Friedkin is looking to close a deal / Silvia Lore/GettyImages

Alongside Friedkin, there had been interest in buying Everton from American John Textor, who publicly confirmed his interest in a deal and was even reported to be prepared to sell his significant stake in Crystal Palace in order to pursue a deal.

Moshiri, who owns a 94.1% share in Everton, has overseen close to £650m in transfer spending and also signed off on the construction of a new stadium, but those ambitious plans have not translated to success on the pitch.

Everton were hit with two separate points deductions last season for breaches of the Premier League's financial rules but still managed to avoid relegation, ending the campaign in 15th.