Michael Dell conflict emerges in Everton takeover update from Goodison Park

Everton will not be bought directly by Michael Dell for the American billionaire to avoid a conflict of interest with his other English football exploits, according to The Athletic.

The businessman's investment firm MSD Partners has a history of lending money to English football clubs, including Burnley, Derby, Southampton, Swansea City, West Brom and West Ham, and buying the Toffees would restrict Dell's ability to continue this venture.

Instead, it is reported that rather than buying the club itself, Dell will support the £350million bid led by Andy Bell and George Downing [i News].

Everton fans bid emerging as front-runners for takeover

Should Bell and Downing's bid be the one which finally succeeds in prying Everton out of Farhad Moshiri's hands, they may have Dell to thank for helping tip the balance in their favour.

The Toffees fan duo have been involved in takeover talks for some time at Goodison Park, being involved with another US-based group, MSP Sports Capital, who lent the club £158million last year [Alan Nixon].

Having Dell's support behind their bid could play a role in helping Bell and Downing to complete a smooth transition of ownership, something which 777 Partners, Moshiri's previously preferred buyers, never looked close to being capable of.

Bell and Downing, like 777, are already on good terms with the Iranian [Daily Mail], and although completing a full takeover still seems some way off, that will further cement the perspective that having two lifelong Everton fans in charge is the best possible outcome for the Toffees.

In other Everton news, a cut-price exit deal is now on the cards in what would be a “huge blow” to Sean Dyche.

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