Ambani, the world's sixth-richest man
The cavalry could be on the way to Goodison Park - in
the shape of the Indians. Anil Ambani, the world's sixth-richest
man with an estimated fortune of £20bn, has declared his intention
to buy a Premier League club - with Everton chairman
Bill Kenwright looking to persuade the 49-year-old to throw the
cash his way.
Indian Tycoon Ambani has already looked at Newcastle and
Liverpool but his advisers steered him away from the mess at St
James’ Park while Anfield’s American owners George Gillett and Tom
Hicks have fought off previous takeover bids.
That has left Ambani seriously considering a deal for Everton
accordind to reports in the Mirror - especially as Kenwright wants
to step aside. Kenwright and Ambani have already met but with
Everton's future at Goodison uncertain, the club's value is
therefore affected but Ambani has the millions to take over the
club - and pump money into it.
Kenwright announced after the club's EGM earlier this month that
he is ready to sell, which attracted interest from several
consortiums. Ambani, chairman of the financial company Reliance
Group, made enquiries through an intermediary.
The talks have progressed slowly but Ambani remains interested
in moving into English football and Everton are a big club in need
of major financial investment.
Ambani is deeply interested but even if his talks do not
progress, it seems certain that the club will fall into foreign
hands with several brokers negotiating buy-outs.
Kenwright, a lifelong Everton fan, wants the club to be able to
compete with the big four and to have the funds to either redevelop
their stadium or move. He said recently: 'I do not want to be here
next year. I do not want to be standing in front of you saying,
"It's been another tough season' and 'I don't know where the money
is". I would sell tomorrow.'