Everton are close to announcing details of a £200million takeover by a duo of US businessmen.

Negotiations have reached an advanced stage and according to the Daily Mail, John Jay Moores and Charles Noell have now carried out due diligence with the Toffees shareholders (chairman) Bill Kenwright, Robert Earl and Jon Woods.

Former San Diego Padres (Major League Baseball) owner Moores and Noell have been challenged by a consortium from the Far East but it is believed that the American pair have won the race although chief executive Robert Elstone declined to reveal who would be taking over.

"There has never been more people interested in investing in Everton and the Chairman is confident [investment] will be secured in the near future," he said.