Real estate tycoon Maciek Kaminski remains interested in a takeover of Everton although no deal is thought to be imminent, the ECHO understands.
The US businessman was part of a consortium that explored a deal for the club in the summer, a process that eventually concluded with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri publicly stating the Blues were not for sale. Almost three months on, Mr Kaminski's interest in Everton remains. This is despite investment chief John Thornton and former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon no longer being involved. Mr Thornton was said to have been part of the group investigating a potential takeover in the summer, with the bid then being fronted by Mr Kenyon.
While Mr Kaminski retains an interest in Everton, sources close to both sides said no deal had been done and played down reports that one was close to being confirmed at this stage.
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Talks between the consortium and Mr Moshiri during the summer took place against the backdrop of Mr Moshiri looking at financing options to raise the capital needed to complete the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium development. Those discussions broke down after weeks of takeover speculation.
The speculation dropped off amid claims any potential deal was "dead", leading to the vehicle that was to be used to purchase Everton, KAM Sports LLC, releasing a statement, describing the publicity surrounding the issue as "regrettable". It added: "We respectfully remain interested in acquiring the club as we believe its fans deserve nothing less than the best, and our offer to achieve this stands."
Days later, Mr Moshiri declared the club was not for sale in an open letter to supporters while the first-team squad was on tour in the US. He said: "There has been much talk of investment in our football club recently – even takeovers – but I want to clarify that there is no ‘for sale’ sign currently hanging outside Everton Football Club. It will always be pragmatic to explore all potential investment opportunities and, as I have been transparent about, I am actively focused on completing the financing for our fantastic new stadium as well as strengthening the playing squad and that might include a search for minority investment. That will continue. My commitment to the club remains strong and focused and Kevin Thelwell and the chairman are currently working hard to bring in new players to improve Frank Lampard’s squad."
Since that statement, attention has turned to events on the pitch - with Mr Moshiri having used the open letter to ask supporters to judge the club's summer business at the end of the transfer window. Everton signed eight players over the course of the summer, including sought-after Belgium international Amadou Onana, and Neal Maupay, whose winning goal against West Ham United capped a promising start to the Premier League season for the Blues before the international break.
On Thursday, a report in the Financial Times said talks between Mr Moshiri and Mr Kaminski for a £400m deal for Everton were at an advanced stage - though it also cautioned there was "no certainty" of a deal. Sources close to Mr Kaminski confirmed to the ECHO his interest in purchasing Everton remained and claimed there had been dialogue between both sides since the summer, though played down suggestions of significant progress. They added no documents had been submitted to football's regulatory bodies - a crucial step in the process.
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