Dan Friedkin wants local knowledge on Everton board as Bell and Downing development emerges

Dan Friedkin is looking to incorporate Andy Bell and George Downing onto the Everton board, according to Alan Nixon.

The journalist reported via his Patreon page [27 October] that the two local businessmen - who had held an interest in a takeover of the club - are being targeted by Friedkin to join forces in the hierarchy once the American's purchase of the Toffees is complete.

Friedkin is keen to install some local knowledge to the board when he is officially handed the reins from Farhad Moshiri.

Dan Friedkin keen to have Everton representation onboard

Friedkin's reported call to invite Bell and Downing onboard is likely to go down well with Evertonians.

The duo are fondly thought of and were even the preferred bidders among many of the fanbase during the chaotic off-season period at Goodison Park.

After talks with Friedkin had initially fallen through back in July, Bell and Downing's bid also came to an end following an offer made earlier in the summer of this year.

The boyhood Everton fans were suggested in early June to be frontrunners to acquire Moshiri's controlling stake [Matt Slater, 8 June], backed by US computing giant Michael Dell.

Recent news reveals that Leadenhall are expected to give the green light to Friedkin's takeover [Matt Slater, 25 October], citing "nobody can think of a good reason why it would say no".

In other Everton news, Theo Walcott says a Toffees player was "bullied" as he was hooked against Fulham on Saturday.

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