Saudi Arabia family join Everton takeover bid at Goodison Park

Everton has been the subject of several takeover bids of late, and a wealthy Saudi Arabian family has joined the race, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The newspaper has reported in its print edition [page 19, 10 June] that Vatche Manoukian has put together a consortium that includes that Saudi family, as well as American investors and the Australian Myer family.

The group's bid to Farhad Moshiri is thought to be worth around £400million, though they face competition from several other interested parties.

Will Vatche Manoukian win the race for Everton?

Moshiri has found himself inundated with interest in purchasing his majority stake in Everton since the exclusivity agreement he penned with 777 Partners in September expired at the end of May.

In addition to the consortium led by Manoukian, there has also been interest reported from Roma owner Dan Friedkin, a party backed by Michael Dell and spearheaded by two Everton fans - Andy Bell and George Downing - and MSP Sports Capital.

The Manoukian consortium may pack the most punch, though, given the staggering line-up of financial muscle from across the globe reportedly housed in its ranks.

Should they win the race for Everton, Toffees supporters can at least take comfort in knowing that a fellow fan is taking the reins - which would be a significant upgrade on what was expected under 777.

However, given the breadth of interest in acquiring the club, more twists and turns are likely to take place before any conclusion is reached.

In other Everton news, the Toffees' transfer interest in Armando Broja has been described as "curious".

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