According to Daily Mail reports, American billionaire Jahm Najafi is considering an approach to buy Everton despite previously being linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Iranian-born Najafi has already amassed an impressive portfolio in the sporting world, including the NBA franchise Phoenix Suns and the Formula one team McLaren, where he is the Vice Chairman.
Najafi spotted with Levy
There were speculations when Najafi was spotted with Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier on Friday, but the report now claims that the meeting wasn’t related to the north London club’s takeover bid.
It is believed that Levy had been invited to the race after he had agreed to build an indoor go-kart track below the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium joining hands with Formula One.
Najafi is thus interested in purchasing a stake in the Goodison Park outfit after majority owner Farhad Moshiri had reportedly put the club up for sale with an asking price of over £500m.
The report also claims that Najafi’s bid to take over the majority stake of Everton will include a contribution towards the cost of Everton’s new home stadium in Brambley Moor Dock.
Everton relegation concerns
Should the US-based business tycoon take over Everton, it wouldn’t be the first football club he has purchased shares in. Najafi has stakes in German club Augsburg and Portuguese club Estoril.
Earlier this season, Everton supporters had repeatedly voiced their discontent at the club’s hierarchy running of the club.
Ahead of their clash against Leeds in February, supporters unfurled banners that said ‘EFC Board not welcome’ voicing their anger and frustrations at Moshiri and Chairman Bill Kenwright.
It remains to be seen whether Everton would be sold to a new majority before the end of the Premier League season, as they sit in the relegation zone in 18th place.
Losing Premier League status could significantly reduce the club’s valuation and drive away potential buyers.
Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images
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