Daniel Lewis

Wed 18 October 2023 11:10, UK

BBC Sport journalist Shamoon Hafez says reports the takeover deal involving 777 Partners and Everton have stalled is “wide of the mark”.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday (18 October) that the proposed sale was at risk of falling apart as the American investment fund has failed to provide audited financial statements to a British government regulator.

However, Hafez posted on his personal Twitter page later on Wednesday (18 October) that the various checks – which could last until some point in December – are still ongoing,

Hafez posted: “I’m told reports saying 777 Partners’ takeover of Everton having stalled are “wide of the mark”.

“The 12-week process of the deal is still ongoing, talks with FCA continuing and 777 have provided the historical information requested.”

Let’s see

The report by the New York Times would have left many Everton supporters fearing the worst. After all, this is a reputable source that has been reporting on the takeover very closely.

While we have been aware of 777’s shady history for a while, the fact a deal could fall through over documents not being submitted had not really entered our thoughts.

Everton are in a situation in which beggars cannot be choosers, so a deal collapsing at this stage – with presumably nobody else willing to step in – would be nothing short of terrible.

If this update by Hafez is anything to go by, though, then it is as you were with regards to the behind-the-scenes goings on.

We were told at the start of this process that it could take three months for the various bodies, including the Premier League, to complete their checks on 777 Partners.

Until anything is made official, whether by the club, the Premier League or whoever else, then let’s just take any other information with a pinch of salt.

In other Everton news, the Toffees reportedly asked a player not to link up with his country earlier this season.