Everton takeover: Josh Wander in the UK as crunch Premier League-777 talks agreed
There is “unlikely” to be a decision made on an Everton takeover at the upcoming face-to-face meeting between 777 Partners and the Premier League, according to Paul Joyce.
The Times journalist reported via the paper’s website on 27 February that Josh Wander is currently in the UK and is set for an in-person meeting with Richard Masters’ office.
Although a long-awaited final verdict is not expected to be made at that point it will allow the league to “ask direct questions” of 777, whose business practices have been “criticised”.
Even if Wander and company do get the green light here after the near-six month process they will still need to be ratified by the independent oversight panel after that.
777 Partners not expected to get Everton takeover verdict in Premier League meeting
It would be fairly surprising for the league to suddenly make a decision off the back of whatever answers 777 Partners give them in this meeting, having proven so unwilling to do so up until now.
Chances are that a quick response from these talks would not be a positive one as it would surely be easier to shut the deal down based on a failure to satisfy the “direct” questioning, while satisfactory answers will presumably still require evaluation.
There have been plenty of questions thrown up elsewhere over the prospective new Toffees owners can or should complete a takeover.
A second recent downgrade in their insurance arm’s credit rating, and significant staffing departures, don’t paint a picture of a serene situation, but indications from the company are that they still expect to see the deal through.
Either way it certainly does indicate some confidence in their position to be pushing for a face-to-face meeting.
If they are going to be denied then that needs to happen because Everton clearly require Farhad Moshiri to be replaced if the current majority shareholder is looking to make an exit, and if it isn’t going to be the Americans he needs to move fast to find an alternative.
In other Everton news, a massive £80million transfer exit is now “likely” to be agreed.
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