MSP new front-runners as US firms battle for Toffees

THE battle for Everton is set to take a dramatic turn — with MSP Sports Capital now confident they can complete a deal for the club by Monday.

As Mail Sport revealed earlier this week, rival American investors 777 Partners were leading the race. But, over a fastmoving 48 hours, it now appears that their £600million offer may not be enough to take the club off owner Farhad Moshiri. Crunch talks are set to continue over the weekend but insiders have disclosed that

MSP feel they can steal in and complete a deal for the Toffees, who are fighting for their Premier League survival.

While 777 wanted Everton to avoid relegation before completing a deal, MSP will guarantee their purchase even if Sean Dyche’s side go down. They are currently one point above the drop zone ahead of today’s trip to Wolves and the final-day visit of Bournemouth next Sunday.

Earlier this year, MSP were linked with a move for Tottenham. But those close to the process say that their focus has always been on Everton and they have been exploring a deal for the Merseyside club for some time. A deal for Everton could be structured, which would — in theory — free up funds to be spent on infrastructure and the playing squad. One major issue is the construction of Everton’s new £505m stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. The next instalment is due imminently and funds will be needed to ensure it is paid. Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi is MSP’s chair while Jeff Moorad, a former agent, is the chief executive. Moorad was part-inspiration for the film Jerry Maguire. Large sections were filmed in his office and the iconic phrase ‘show me the money’ is said to have been taken from a conversation he had with an NFL star. The pair were at Goodison in January to see Everton’s defeat by Southampton.