'An unspectacular tenure'

The decision of Everton's owners The Friedkin Group (TFG), to explore selling the club comes as no great surprise after the turbulent events of recent times.

A fracture opened up between TFG and Everton's fanbase over the controversial attempt to sell highly-rated teenager Harrison Armstrong late in the transfer window, before a botched deadline day left manager David Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players.

The failed sale of Armstrong, as well as the departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65m, was bolted on to a cautious approach to the markets that suggested limited ambition on the part of TFG.

It was in sharp contrast to the more hands-on approach at AS Roma, the other club owned by TFG, who bring in the additional riches of playing in the Champions League.

Moyes revealing he had never spoken to Friedkin, who has not attended an Everton game since the Scot was reappointed as manager 21 months ago, strengthened the belief among supporters that TFG were effectively absentee owners.

TFG secured a deal for 99.5% of the club, succeeding former owner Farhad Moshiri in 2024 after Everton had fallen into financial crisis.

Since then, TFG have put the club on a stable financial footing and Everton have moved into a new stadium - although this was effectively done before their takeover - and have made the club an attractive proposition to potential buyers.

This will be TFG's main achievement in what will, when Everton is sold, be regarded as an unspectacular tenure.