Friedkin Group given fresh Everton headache after 'unbelievable' Roma interference

The Friedkin Group's plan to balance ownership of both Everton and Roma is not going so well.

The Toffees' American backers have come under scrutiny following a dreadful summer transfer window.

It could be argued that no Premier League team had a worse window than Everton, compounded by events on deadline day.

The news that followed that was striking, as the Friedkins are looking to sell a minority stake in Everton.

There have been suggestions the Friedkins will then look to sell their whole stake in the Merseyside club a little further down the line.

It is not just off the pitch that questions are being raised, though, as transfer activity at Roma is also now being interfered with.

Roma and Everton clash on numerous transfer targets

Everton ended the window with six new signings, including Jack Grealish back on loan from Manchester City for another season.

It was the numerous players Everton missed out on that made most of the headlines, however.

Many of the players Everton went for were also on Roma's radar and vice-versa.

That may not sound like much of a problem, but the Friedkins are also in charge of the Serie A side and that complicates matters.

This is something that Italian journalist Ugo Trani pointed out when speaking on TeleRadioStereo 92.7, as relayed by Sport Witness.

“Everton has frequently stepped into negotiations Roma was interested in during recent transfer windows. It’s truly unbelievable,” he said.

Everton potentially stopped Roma from making signings, and the same may also be true in reverse.

It goes to show that running multiple clubs is just not healthy, especially when shopping in pretty much the same market.

Which players were wanted by both Everton and Roma?

There were many of them, including Jamie Leweling towards the end of the window.

In fact, both Everton and Roma are each said to have bid for the Stuttgart winger.

Malick Fofana and Jonathan Rowe are two other examples of players being linked with both teams this past window.

It is an awkward situation, but possibly one Everton will not have to repeat next summer if the Friedkins have gone by then.