The Friedkin Group has moved closer to securing a majority 94% stake in Everton after being granted an exclusivity agreement by club owner Farhad Moshiri.
The US-based firm will undertake due diligence on the club and a deal is subject to passing the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test, as well as gaining approval from the Football Association (FA) and Financial Conduct Authority.
Chairman Dan Friedkin, who also owns Roma, has a reported net worth of £4.8bn and he was keen to add a Premier League club to sit at the top of his multi-club model.
Everton and the Friedkin Group have declined to comment.
It is hoped the process can result in a smooth sale, with the intention for it to take weeks rather than months.
Everton’s appeal to the Friedkin Group was based on the club’s history, fanbase and the new stadium being built on Bramley-Moore Dock.
The group remains fully committed to Roma and has no concerns regarding the two clubs co-existing under Uefa rules.
Despite the exclusivity agreement, there is no guarantee that the Friedkin Group will complete a takeover at Goodison Park.
Previous exclusivity agreements with the likes of Maciek Kaminski, MSP Sports Capital and most recently 777 Partners, have all ended without a takeover.
Bidding for the club was re-opened earlier this month after Miami-based investment group 777 partners failed to complete a takeover by the final deadline of 1 June.
Friedkin agreed a deal in principle on 14 June, moving in front of four rival bidders that included UK-based investment firm Vici Private Finance, MSP Sports Capital, local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing and a consortium involving a Saudi royal.
BBC Sport understands a consortium led by former LA Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone also made a takeover offer and was willing to commit more than £78m for football operations this year.
The Friedkin Group assumed control of Italian side Roma in 2020 and guided the club to Europa Conference League success under Jose Mourinho in 2022.
Everton finished 15th in the Premier League last season after being docked eight points in total for breaching Premier League financial rules.
The club are under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules by the end of June.
The Toffees are scheduled to move into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.