777 Partners 'desperately' want Everton takeover but are held up by one issue - reports

The latest update on the 777 Partners takeover of Everton has emerged and while it’s positive from their end, there are aspects holding the proposed move back according to reports.

While this rumbles on behind-the-scenes, there’s a real possibility Everton could be dragged into the relegation places if they don’t get points from their next set of fixtures. However, facing off against Nottingham Forest, Luton and Brentford gives them a chance to pull away from the drop and it’s certainly going to be tense once again. A 6-0 drubbing away at Chelsea was a blow and with both Nathan Patterson and Jarrad Branthwaite coming off in the second-half, it was a hugely disappointing evening.

In terms of their finances, Everton are in a difficult place. According to the BBC’s latest report, the club posted losses of ‘£89.1m’ for the accounts covering the 2022-23 season, with net debt rising to £330.6m. Selling one of Amadou Onana or Jarrad Branthwaite - or both - would ensure they don’t fall prey to the profit and sustainability rules for what would be a third time.

It is reported, total loans have totalled £580m from different sources; the report states that it has come from Rights and Media Funding (£231m), 777 Partners (£180m), MSP Sports Capital and two local businessmen (£158m), and Metro Bank (£11m). One of those loans (MSP) was due to be repaid on Monday, but the current owner Farhad Moshiri previously agreed an extension with 777 which for the time being resolves matters until the end of the season.

777 co-owner Josh Wander has met with the Premier League to push through the deal but it is currently being held back by the MSP loan which was taken out for the construction of Bramley-Moore Dock.

Sources close to the BBC claim Wander ‘desperately’ wants the move to go through and that they can front the £158m loan repayment to push a deal over the line but it isn’t clear whether it will come from them or third-party investors. Considering the deal was supposed to be done in December, it’s another case of waiting and hoping for Everton fans.