Everton are in sale talks with an American consortium.

The Daily Star says talk of a £225m takeover of Everton by a Kansas consortium last month proved wide of the mark.

But it's understood several other US groups are still looking at the club - and the prospect of a sale is edging ever closer.

A Wall Street source revealed: "I would say the chances of Everton being sold are higher than they have been for some time.

"Interest in the Premier League has never been higher. I know of several groups looking to invest in clubs over there, and Everton is certainly a name I hear mentioned.

"I know Bill Kenwright has been trying to sell the club for a long time, so it isn't from a lack of trying. It's certainly a club that's ripe for investment.

"Most of these guys who want to invest in the Premier League have some background in US sports, and in the current climate, with the TV money there is in soccer now, it does look very attractive."