Textor granted exclusivity in Everton takeover bid

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has granted a period of exclusivity to Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor as the American businessman aims to purchase a majority stake in the Premier League club.

BBC Sport understands discussions have taken place around the feasibility of an agreement, but a deal is not close at this stage.

Textor is the latest party in the frame to take over the Toffees after talks broke down with both 777 Partners and the Friedkin Group this summer.

However, any deal is dependent on Textor selling his 45% stake in Crystal Palace, as Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.

Everton declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport.

Speaking earlier on Thursday when previewing his side’s Premier League opener against Brighton, Everton manager Sean Dyche said: “We can’t affect the business model of the club in terms of someone buying it.

“Just fingers crossed it [a resolution] gets found. It’s been here since I got here. It goes higher volume and lower volume depending on results and the bigger picture of the club.

“I always believe in controlling the controllables and I can’t decide when the club gets sold and who buys it. We’ve just got to wait for that period when it happens and if it doesn’t, just keep working hard.”

Asked if he had spoken to Moshiri, Dyche said: “Nothing of any depth. Just messages and stuff like that.

“I will probably see or speak to him soon, but there has been nothing too much to report from him to me or me to him.”