John Textor to expedite Crystal Palace sale, step up Everton takeover amid Dan Friedkin news
John Textor is looking to “expedite” the sale of his Crystal Palace shares and step up his Everton takeover in the face of an apparent threat from Dan Friedkin, according to the i.
The outlet reported via their website on 17 September that a source has said the American remains in the “box seat” to buy the Toffees from Farhad Moshiri despite claims that Friedkin is back in the running.
Bloomberg reported on 16 September that the Roma chief had reignited interest, nearly two months after backing out of his bid previously, but the idea that he has returned to the negotiating table has been played down by insiders in his camp.
However, claims that Textor has exclusivity to complete a deal are believed to not be accurate, meaning Friedkin is able to return at any time to resurrect his £400million deal.
John Textor does not have Everton exclusivity with Farhad Moshiri
Whether or not Friedkin has done another u-turn it would surely be in Textor’s, Everton’s and Moshiri’s interests for him to hurry the current bid up.
The Toffees have spent long enough lingering in no man’s land with an owner who wants out and a lack of certainty around anything long-term.
Textor has also been looking to sell his Palace shares for months so if he has a pair offers on the table which are strong enough for him to consider [Sky Sports, 12 September] then the time has surely come to move forward.
He certainly now seems to be keen on buying Everton, despite announcing he had tried to become the sole owner at Palace, and reportedly attempted to buy QPR [The Athletic, 13 September] within the past two months.
He can’t do so while he is still in possession of 45 per cent of Palace so the threat of Friedkin, real or imagined, pushing him to move forward might be just what Everton need.
Despite his enthusiasm there is still significant doubt about his bid’s viability [The Esk, 12 September], including from some close to the deal who have expected Friedkin to return for weeks [Paul Brown, 29 August].
But if there is truth to the latter reigniting interest then it would suggest that he does think Textor can get a deal done and doesn’t want to see his own chance go begging.
The Friedkin Group previously claimed the complications which saw them drop out previously were “unresolvable” [The Esk, 20 July], so a return would also indicate that was a negotiating tactic.
The latest developments have only muddied already murky waters further, and since Friedkin isn’t given to public declarations like Textor is it may require something official to get a true picture of his intentions.
In other Everton news, Jamie Carragher has reacted to Sean Dyche sack questions and issued an “horrific” verdict.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.