Everton have officially rejected reports they're in takeover talks with a Middle Eastern group.

The Toffees have now issued an official statement on the subject, saying: "In the wake of reports in some morning newspapers, Everton Football Club wish to clarify the situation with regard to suggestions of a possible takeover by a United Arab Emirates-based business consortium.

"The reports, which originated in an Abu Dhabi newspaper, suggested that the managing director of NVA Management, Chris Nathaniel, was discussing with 'a prominent Dubai businessman' a proposal to purchase a controlling interest in Everton Football Club."

The statement quoted chief executive Robert Elstone, saying: "Mr Nathaniel rang me this morning to apologise profusely for the piece claiming that he had been misquoted.

"I had one, brief meeting with Mr Nathaniel a year ago and that is as far as it went. To suggest that he is working for us - and that he is close to concluding any form of deal - is totally wrong."