Everton takeover news as formal seven-figure bid made at Goodison Park

Andy Bell and George Downing - backed by Michael Dell - have submitted a formal seven-figure offer for Everton, according to talkSPORT.

The report on 8 June states that the former two, who are lifelong Everton fans, have already loaned the club £50million and are keen to prevent the club from being forced into administration.

Bell and Downing are spearheading the bid, with Dell set to provide financial support from the background.

Will Farhad Moshiri accept this offer for Everton?

Following the end of 777 Partners' exclusivity period, Moshiri has suddenly found himself inundated with interest in acquiring Everton.

Five parties have previously been reported to have shown interest in purchasing the Toffees - including the group spearheaded by Bell and Downing - with a sixth seemingly emerging in the form of Roma owner Dan Friedkin.

The speed with which Bell and Downing are keen to wrap up a deal for the club likely reflects the fact that competition is widespread, as well as the urgency of Everton's financial situation.

Whether or not Moshiri chooses to accept will likely come down to his priorities. After such a long, protracted saga with 777, is the Anglo-Iranian businessman keen to tie up a swift deal - or will he choose to use the number of interested parties to drive up the price?

Toffees fans will certainly hope it is the former, rather than the latter.

In other Everton news, Manchester United have drawn up a list of seven alternatives to Jarrad Branthwaite.

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