Everton takeover: 777 Partners set for key meeting with Premier League this week

Representatives of the US group attempting to seal a takeover of Everton are due to meet Premier League chiefs in person this week.

The move comes with the wait for a regulatory decision on the deal now in its sixth month. The club and its prospective buyers, 777 Partners, had initially hoped it would be done before the end of 2023.

The length of time that has passed without a decision has only intensified concerns over the group and its viability as the owner of a Premier League club.

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There is a belief around 777 that the group has already provided adequate answers to the Premier League’s Owners' and Directors' test, though league chief executive Richard Masters hinted otherwise when quizzed by politicians earlier this year.

The group has had a regular presence at Goodison Park since the deal to buy current majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the Blues was made public in September. Co-founder Josh Wander was again present on Saturday as Sean Dyche’s side fell to defeat against West Ham United.

The face to face meeting planned for this week is not expected to yield an immediate decision but is instead being viewed as an opportunity to explore the issues currently holding a decision back. The company has provided financial support to the club while the process has played out, committing just short of £200m so far.

The Premier League is the final meaningful hurdle for the bid, which passed Financial Conduct Authority scrutiny before Christmas.