Everton takeover moves step closer after collapse of deal with controversial 777Partners firm with Farhad Moshiri set to grant exclusivity terms to Roma owner Dan Friedkin

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri took a step closer to selling the club on Friday night as he prepared to grant exclusivity terms to Roma owner Dan Friedkin.

Any deal, subject to Premier League approval, would end months of speculation about the club’s future and comes only two weeks after a proposed takeover by Miami-based private investment firm 777 Partners collapsed.

Friedkin, 59, who is worth £4.9billion, is chairman of Texas-based Friedkin Group and has emerged as Moshiri's favoured choice amid extensive talks with four other parties.

It is understood Friedkin, whose film studio produced the Oscar nominated ‘Flowers Of The Killer Moon’, has presented an all-equity offer which appeals to Moshiri ahead of early frontrunners Andy Bell and George Downing, who have lent Everton £158million.

The club declined to comment on Friday night but the situation is expected to move quickly over the next 24 hours.

Several interested parties had signalled willingness to pay operational costs immediately in their pursuit of exclusive terms with Moshiri to cover player and staff wages and Bramley Moore Dock Stadium payments.

The breakthrough comes hours after Everton received a financial injection by striking a club-record kit deal with Castore worth more than £20m a year. The kit company will also become founding partners for the new stadium.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are to make an improved bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite after their opening offer of £35m plus £8m in add-ons was rejected.

Everton value Branthwaite at closer to £75m. Arsenal have also shown an interest in Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.