Farhad Moshiri reveals that the “completed deal” is close, amid rumors that the club is “for sale.”

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Farhad Moshiri insisted Everton is “not for sale” but stressed that a deal is “close” as he looks to bring in “major investors”.

Manager Frank Lampard was sacked earlier this week as Everton sit bottom of the Premier League.

There was widespread unrest at the club and directors were advised not to attend the final match against Southampton due to security concerns.

It was reported on Tuesday that the club was “for sale” with Moshiri setting the asking price at £500m.

Moshiri, who has pledged “whatever it takes to attract the crowd”, says he remains committed to the Merseyside club but wants to secure additional funding for the new ground being built at Bramley-Moor Dock.

“The club is not for sale, but I have spoken with big investors of real quality to fill a gap on the pitch,” Moshiri said in a video interview with the Everton Fans’ Advisory Council, posted on the club’s website.

“I can do it myself. The reason I want to do this is to bring major sports investors to Everton. We’re close to closing the deal.”

“He’s not selling the club at all, he’s just bringing more experience in terms of global sponsorship, commercial development.

“A lot of dedicated sports investors have that body of knowledge, and it’s important to secure that for Everton.”

Former Liverpool defender – and boyhood Evertonian – Jamie Carragher has been critical of Goodison’s attitude, claiming they are “the worst team to manage in the country”, adding that Moshiri “doesn’t know what he’s doing but he’s been paid a lot of money”.

Carragher believes the Everton hierarchy is to blame, but Moshiri is supportive of his board and has called on fans not to lose heart.

“This is the most important time in our history. It’s almost an existential point.”

“I have faith in this forum. In the past, I have removed managers and appointed managers. I am not shy about making changes. We make changes when there is a need.”

“We’re going to be tough. We have to be calm and get over our current situation on the pitch.

“I feel the pain. I hear what the fans say. They have points. We will deal with them. I don’t miss anything. I have a list of all the points.

“I am committed to this club, not only to this stadium but to join the elite. But I need your help.

“The fans are the most important part of the Everton Foundation. We need to get through this together – only we can get through this together.

“Everton were counting on Goodison and the 12th man. I know we are much weaker without the full support of the fans and I will do whatever it takes to get the fans involved. I work it out 24 hours a day.”

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