Everton buyers 777 hold talks over financing

Everton are building a new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock

Everton's prospective buyers have held discussions with a private equity firm specialising in 'distressed debt' as they aim to complete a protracted takeover of the club.

777 Partners agreed to buy current owner Farhad Moshiri's 94% stake in September but have struggled to seal the deal as it is yet to be ratified by the Premier League.

Repaying a £158m loan to MSP Sports Capital remains a major stumbling block, while 777 also needs to provide about £100m to complete construction of the club's new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

777 has been in talks with GDA Luma Capital to see whether debt financing can be offered, as first reported by Bloomberg.

New York-based GDA Luma describes itself as providing "capital solutions" to companies facing "complex financial and operational challenges".

777 has endured financial strife this week, eventually sending a delayed payment of £16m to Everton for day-to-day operational costs and having an airline they own enter voluntary administration.

Meanwhile, BBC Sport understands the Toffees are also considering ways of restructuring the club's short-term debt to make it more manageable.

The club owes about £400m to numerous third-party firms, with much of the loans being used towards the building of the new stadium.