Everton are at risk of administration after the Premier League indicated to prospective buyers 777Partners that their takeover will not be approved before the end of the year, according to reports.
The American private equity firm have loaned the Toffees over £100million for operating costs since agreeing a deal to buy the club back in September.
However, according to the Daily Mail, 777 aren't prepared to keep funding Everton after the New Year.
Their loans so far have been sanctioned 'on the proviso' that a decision would be reached before Christmas.
Everton have already been docked 10 points by the Premier League this season
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Yet it's claimed the Premier League are 'still some way from completing due diligence on their proposed takeover'.
The complexity of the company's finances and corporate structure is said to be an issue.
777 consists of 60 companies involved in multiple industries including insurance, aviation and sport.
This, it's noted, is 'proving challenging' for the Premier League to assess.
The report says the Premier League's main concern at present is 'establishing the source and sufficiency' of 777's funds.
They are also said to be examining multiple legal cases involving related companies based in the United States.
777 are planning to use their own assets to buy Everton rather than rely on borrowing.
The Toffees are in need of an additional £20m on top of their fixed income each month to pay staff wages and meet other operating costs while the uncertainty rumbles on.
Yet if the funding is withdrawn, that would leave Everton facing a nightmare.
Without the money coming in, Everton would be 'trading insolvent' - and would potentially be set to go into administration.
Everton have already been docked 10 points for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
And going into administration would likely see them slapped with another nine-point deduction.
The Premier League are said to be reluctant to take action that could plunge Everton into the red.
But they are 'equally unwilling to be pressured into a hasty resolution of a complex issue'.
Everton sources, for their part, remain hopeful a takeover will go through.
And 777 say they are yet to receive a formal notification from the Premier League of a potential timeline when it comes to making a decision.
Meanwhile, Everton have improved on the pitch despite all the turbulence behind the scenes.
They've won their last three league matches, beating Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea without conceding a single goal.
And manager Sean Dyche was delighted with the way they performed in their 2-0 win over the Blues on Sunday.
“Maximum effort from the players has got us a win and I think the mentality continues to grow here," he said.
Everton are flying under Sean Dyche despite the turbulence engulfing the club behind the scenes
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“I spoke during the pre-season about the squad mentality. It’s not just about the 11.
"What about the group and the strength of the group? I think they’ve been tremendous, and I’ve just mentioned that to the players.
"The players outside of the starting 11 have been a credit, and so have the players playing.
He added: “Another clean sheet and the two centre-halves and the goalkeeper are playing very well. I could mention everyone at the moment.
"I think their attention to what’s going on and their mentality to focus on the next challenge has been delightful for me as a manager to work with.”
