Widespread reports this morning have claimed that an American consortium is close to taking control of Everton.

It is believed that the group, which is led by former San Diego Padres owner John Jay Moores and fellow entrepreneur Charles Noell, have been in discussions with Toffees owner Bill Kenwright over recent months.

Those talks are now said to have reached an advanced stage, with the pair having spent six weeks conducting a process of due diligence.

The deal, which is thought to be worth £200m, could be concluded in the next few weeks.