Everton takeover troubles as Steve Parish and Crystal Palace update emerge for John Textor
Kieran Maguire says he understands Steve Parish has first refusal on John Textor’s Crystal Palace shares which could cause issues in his bid to buy Everton.
American businessman Textor made a public statement on Wednesday 11 September saying that there is a “90 per cent chance” that he purchases the Toffees [Le Progres], though he must find a buyer for his 45 per cent stake in the Eagles to progress with his purchase.
Speaking on The Price Of Football on 19 September, finance expert Maguire suggested any other than Parish taking on his shares would need to pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test, a process that could take some time.
He said: “Textor is talking as if there’s just one minor issue. It’s a bit like going out with somebody and you forget to tell them that you are already married in effect. He does own 45 per cent of Crystal Palace.
“He’s talking as if those shares have already been sold although my understanding is that Steve Parish has first refusal on Textor’s existing shares, if not he would be in a difficult position to share them to a third party.
“If it is going to be that third party then they would have to go through the Premier League’s own owners and directors tests which they are very cautious and important.”
