Merseyside businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing are in talks with US billionaire Michael Dell about a potential joint bid to acquire Everton Football Club from its current owner, Farhad Moshiri.
Bell, the founder of investment firm AJ Bell, and Downing, a successful construction and property entrepreneur, are among several parties interested in taking over the Premier League club after the collapse of 777 Partners’ bid.
The addition of the Dell family office, which manages the investment portfolios of the Dell family, has added credibility to Bell and Downing’s offer. Dell, a renowned computer brand, is currently valued at an estimated £95 billion.
Michael Dell, pictured with his wife Susan, is interested in acquiring Everton Football Club.
Dell has joined forces with local businessmen to negotiate a deal with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri (pictured)
Sources close to Moshiri suggest that discussions are at an advanced stage, although other senior club officials remain cautious about an imminent agreement, given the presence of other interested parties such as MSP Sports Capital.
Everton fans, concerned about the club’s future following a turbulent season that included a Premier League-imposed eight-point deduction for financial breaches, will likely welcome the emergence of Bell and Downing as potential owners.
The prospective buyers are confident in their ability to ensure Everton’s financial stability and facilitate the club’s move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in 2025.
It is believed that Bell and Downing have already loaned the club £50 million to maintain its operations until this point. Everton faces additional financial obligations this summer, including deferred payments for player signings.
The Dell-backed bid hopes to secure an exclusivity period from Moshiri in the coming days, leveraging their close relationship with the current owner and the urgency of the situation.