Everton concern raised over nine-point penalty amid 777 Partners takeover uncertainty

Alex Crook says there remains a "concern" Everton could be hit with a nine-point deduction next season amid the 777 Partners takeover uncertainty.

The American investment fund has hit a number of stumbling blocks in its attempt to buy out Farhad Moshiri.

777 helped covered the club's payroll for April at the last minute, but it remains unclear if the green light will be given to proceed with the takeover.

Should it fall through, the Toffees then face the threat of potentially entering administration unless another buyer is waiting by.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast [2 May, 07:11am], reporter Crook said: "From what I understand, Everton are confident that if they do go into administration, it won't be this season, so that staves off the threat of a nine-point penalty for now.

"But there is a concern that comes from the start of next season if the takeover doesn't go through and they have no choice but to go into administration and take the nine-point penalty, making them the first Premier League team since Portsmouth to do so."

777 Partners uncertainty continues at Everton

Premier League survival has been secured, but that is only half the threat for the Toffees during this period of uncertainty.

Sean Dyche admitted on Wednesday (1 May) that he is pretty much in the dark with regards to the whole situation, as is everyone connected to Everton.

That is what makes this such a worrying prospect. Everton fans are simply having to rely on what is being reported elsewhere for news on the very future of their club.

Even if the 777 Partners takeover does go through, that does not resolve all of the Toffees' problems. Indeed, many believe it will merely worsen them.

Ultimately, right now the priority is to ensure there is a steady stream of money coming into Goodison Park just to cover day-to-day running costs.

This time last month, the two aims for Everton were as follows: confirm Premier League safety and get clarity over the takeover situation.

Half of that mission is complete; fingers crossed the second part is ticked off in the coming days, rather than weeks or months.

In other Everton news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Jordan Pickford amid links with Chelsea.

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