Everton’s takeover by Roma owner Dan Friedkin will allow them to move into their new stadium debt free, talkSPORT understands.
Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs reports that Freidkin could look to hire Gareth Southgate to replace Sean Dyche as Toffees manager.
Southgate has been out of work since resigning as England boss in July after their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Current owner Farhad Moshiri accepted a lower offer from Friedkin than John Textor was willing to pay to ensure a smoother and quicker sale of the club.
Moshiri will walk away having made a significant loss on his £700m investment after agreeing to sell his 94.1 per cent stake in the Merseysiders to the Friedkin Group, fronted by Friedkin.
Sources close to Moshiri say the takeover is worth between £400m and £500m, the majority of which will be used to convert debts into equity.
These include the £200m pumped into the Toffees by 777 Sports during their ill-fated takeover attempt, with Friedkin negotiating a settlement directly with American insurance firm A-Cap, who funded the 777 bid.
This part of the deal will need to be ratified by a court in New York after A-Cap seized 777’s assets.
Moshiri decided to sell to Friedkin after growing tired of waiting for the outspoken Textor to sell his shares in Crystal Palace in order to purchase the Toffees.
It is hoped the deal, subject to approval by the Premier League and the Financial Conduct Authority, will be completed by the end of the year.
Everton are due to take up residence in their brand new 52,888-seater home at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of next season.
Friedkin has also agreed to pump in additional funds to finance day-to-day running costs including wages and the final financing of the stadium move while the takeover is waiting to go through.
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Addressing the news in a statement to Roma’s supporters, Friedkin said: “We remain active investors in the sports industry. We love the beautiful game.
“The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma.
“Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions. Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished.
“Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football.”
Everton finished in 15th place in the Premier League last term with a tally of 40 points.
This was after they were deducted eight points for breaching profit and sustainability rules.
As for this term, Everton have really struggled after losing four of their five Premier League games so far.
Having scored five and conceded 14, the Toffees sit 19th in the table.
