By George Overhill

22nd May, 2023 | 6:40pm

Everton investment news: Future funding talks progress as MSP Sports Capital make 25% breakthrough with Farhad Moshiri - BBC

A deal for MSP Sports Capital to invest in Everton is not yet done but “talks are progressing over future funding” sources have told BBC Sport.

The US-based company have pushed ahead of 777 Partners after making the key breakthrough of securing an exclusivity agreement, despite the rival interest being reportedly days away from a full takeover on Wednesday last week [Daily Mail, 17 May].

The Athletic had covered the confusing nature of two head-to-head competitors both reportedly being on the brink of a deal over the weekend (20 May) when it was reported that Farhad Moshiri had essentially reached agreement with both simultaneously.

The Toffees majority shareholder has been looking for an injection of capital to help complete the new stadium development, after costs increased from £500million to around £760million, and it is now MSP Sports Capital who are now in the driving seat.

They are reportedly looking for preferential shares on a 25% stake, meaning they would be liable to provide the investment to the owner and would make their money back via dividends but it would not buy them equity in the club.

Movement

It looks like Everton are closing in on receiving the additional funding they require to keep their current plans on course, and the ongoing talks should to be to determine exactly how much and when they will be provided.

After multiple recent reports that backed either MSP Sports Capital or 777 Partners as in the ascendency it appears there is finally some consensus that the most recent development puts the former in prime position to secure a deal.

Until it is confirmed however, the other outcomes remain on the table, and it may be there both could end up with some sort of involvement in what is obviously a complicated situation.

If it is preferential shares that are under discussion then it would seem that the arrangement currently under discussion is set to keep Moshiri very much front and centre in terms of control over the club, while MSP Sports Capital give him the cash boost he needs and get their return on interest from the shares.

But until an agreement is finally announced it remains to be seen the exact format of the commitments involved, and that is presumably not going to come until the final game of the season has passed at the earliest.

Sean Dyche takes his Everton team into the last day against Bournemouth (28 May) knowing a win will secure survival, but anything less leaves the door open to Leeds United, and possibly, Leicester to escape.