- 1 Nov 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Everton target Championship duo as 777 pushes for additional funding
Everton have made Hull City’s Jacob Greaves and Blackburn Rover’s Sammie Szmodics targets ahead of the summer transfer window as private investment firm 777 have made moves in trying to secure additional funding to secure their takeover of the club, FootballTransfers can reveal.
The American group have already injected £200 million in loans to support the Premier League outfit and provided the Toffees with enough capital as per their initial agreement, while recently a further £16m was sent to Everton to cover outstanding wages.
777 reached an agreement to purchase Farhad Moshiri's 94% share of the club back in September. However, the finalisation of this deal is pending approval from the Premier League, leading to delays that have dragged on into this year.
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One major obstacle is the repayment of a £158m loan to MSP Sports Capital, which was initially obtained for the construction their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Who are Everton targeting in the transfer window?
With an emphasis on cost-effective deals in the market, we understand that Everton are eyeing players mostly available on free transfers and loan deals. However, where money can be spent, their recruitment team have put Greaves and Szmodics among their major targets.
Greaves’ outstanding performances this season has drawn interest from Everton as well as West Ham, while it’s thought that around £15m would be enough for Hull to sell.
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Meanwhile, Szmodics has enjoyed a spellbinding season with Rovers. The 28-year-old is leading the Championship this season in terms of goals scored, with 25 to his name with one match left in the campaign. This tally puts him five goals ahead of any other player in the division.
Everton managed to survive another season in the Premier League after beating Brentford at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Despite being deducted eight points for two breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) this season, Sean Dyche’s men have avoided the drop with three games to go.