Everton takeover: Farhad Moshiri's path to surprise 777 Partners deal and what happens next

Farhad Moshiri’s troubled reign at Everton could soon be over after he agreed to sell his shares to US private investment firm 777 Partners.

The deal would see 777 take control of all 94.1% of his shareholding in the club, ending the tenure of the billionaire whose millions took the Blues backwards. It remains the subject of scrutiny, with regulatory bodies including the Premier League and the Financial Conduct Authority due to assess the deal before it can be concluded. Both Everton and its proposed new owners appear confident those tests will be passed and that control of the club will change hands by the end of the year.

While it was an open secret 777 had been in talks with Moshiri, the timing of the announcement came as a surprise - coming just weeks after the collapse of a deal with a different US organisation and with representatives of the businessman having since been actively exploring investment opportunities and financial restructuring packages.

The news was met with caution, with many supporters concerned over reports surrounding 777’s record across its portfolio of football clubs and with the group stating it would not provide detailed commentary of its plans “out of respect” for the regulatory process now underway.

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News that Moshiri planned to sell Everton broke at 10am on Friday with the club issuing a public statement quoting both the 68-year-old and 777 co-founder Josh Wander. Blues boss Sean Dyche was at the club’s Finch Farm training ground when he was informed in advance of the announcement by director of football Kevin Thelwell. Dyche has not had any