Everton say 'work to be done' on Textor takeover

Struggling Everton on Thursday played down prospective new owner John Textor's comments about being close to a takeover of the Premier League club, saying "there remains work to be done".

In an interview on Wednesday, the American businessman, who has a 45 per cent share in top-flight rivals Crystal Palace, which he has to offload before he can buy Everton, said the deadline to complete a deal with Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri was 30 November but he felt an agreement could be done before then.

Everton, bottom of the Premier League after three defeats in their first three games, have distanced themselves from Textor's assessment of the situation.

"The club is aware of the comments made by John Textor in relation to a potential purchase of the club," said an Everton statement.

"While positive conversations and progress continues to be made with Mr Textor to formalise any deal with him there remains some work to be done to complete the transaction.

"Accordingly, the comments made by Mr Textor merely represent his personal view on club matters."

In an interview with Sky Sports, Textor said the opportunity to become the new owner of Everton was like being asked if he would like to become the president of the United States.

Textor, the fifth bidder to have been granted a period of exclusivity by Moshiri, added he had no plans to sack manager Sean Dyche.

But he said: "I'd sit down with him at some point in the future and say that I'm going to bring him a very different profile of player from any corner of the world and ask him if he is interested. I'd ask him if he could coach this squad."

Dyche, who is in the final year of his contract with the Merseyside club, brushed aside concerns about his future at his press conference on Thursday ahead of a weekend clash at Aston Villa.

"If you are the prospective owner you probably want to build a relationship or certainly know the manager's thoughts in any situation," he said.

"I don't think there is any uncertainty. I made it clear a month ago the bigger picture of the club is the main focus and the club is still nowhere near where it wants to be.

"The ambition here changes weekly (with) different stories – it's going to be sold, it's not going to be sold, you're here, you're not here," added Dyche. "I've heard it all since I've been here and I've only been here 20 months."