777 Partners may quickly win over Everton supporters as Kalvin Phillips news emerges
Everton supporters have every right to feel anxious as they await a decision as to whether 777 Partners will get the green light to complete its takeover of the club.
The American investment fund defended its track record in an open letter on Everton’s official website at the weekend, but there are many concerns when it comes to how it intends to finance the club.
As everyone knows, football supporters are as fickle as they come. For all the concerns raised, all it will take is one statement signing and all of a sudden fans may be fully on board (just perhaps don’t expect any American flags in the Gwladys Street Stand).
According to a report by the i on Tuesday (10 October), Everton are exploring a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips should the takeover be ratified by January.
The Toffees are said to have explored a transfer in the summer, including the possibility of a loan, but financial restraints meant a move was a non-starter.
Bringing in a player of Phillips’ quality – even if he has struggled to get a look-in at City – would be a big coup for Everton and their new owners, although they also reportedly face competition from Newcastle United and West Ham.
It would also go a long way to easing fears that 777 do not have the capability of running a Premier League football club, or the funding to achieve any success at Goodison Park.
It remains to be seen exactly what position Everton will be in come the January window, but assuming they are still anywhere near the relegation picture, reinforcements will be needed.
In Phillips, they could potentially snap up a top-quality midfielder – as highlighted by his time in the Premier League with Leeds United and the majority of his time with England – potentially for a cut-price fee.
As we saw in the summer when Beto was brought in late in the window, one signing can lift the mood of the fanbase massively.
777 Partners will be fully aware of that, and in Phillips, there is a player out there who can give the Americans an easy early win if they can get a takeover past the post.
In other Everton news, pundit Michael Ball believes the Toffees are “reaping the rewards” for a past decision they made.