In Premier League news, Everton have reached an exclusivity agreement with New York-based company MSP Sports Capital for investment in the club, BBC Sport understands.

Sources have said the deal is not yet done but talks are progressing between the two parties over future funding.

MSP look to have jumped ahead of 777 Partners, who have been in talks over a takeover from owner Farhad Moshiri.

Everton are currently two points above the Premier League's relegation zone with one game remaining this season.

However, the Toffees will drop into the bottom three if Leicester win at Newcastle on Monday (20:00 BST).

MSP are believed to be looking for a 25% stake with a preferential share structure, not equity in the club, so would be paid back in interest.

777 have had access to the 'data room' (financial accounts), but have not been prepared to pay a 'significant' price as they have looked at the debt on the balance sheet - which stood at £141.7m in the latest accounts.

In February, Moshiri told the fans' advisory board the club was "not for sale" but he had been talking to "top investors of real quality".

The club requires funding for their new stadium, which is being built on Bramley Moore Dock, after costs increased from £500m originally to about £760m.

British-Iranian business Moshiri has invested over £750m of his own money since 2016, but some supporters are deeply unhappy about his ownership of the club.

Toffees fans have held protests before some home games this season and have called for Moshiri and the board to leave the club.

It is understood MSP will likely expect representation in the boardroom if they do complete their minority investment in the club.

An exclusivity agreement is described as a document in which a prospective buyer and seller agree to deal solely with each other in anticipation of an exchange of contracts by the end of a fixed period of time.

In this case, it protects MSP from being outbid by another party but it does not offer full protection from that happening outside of the specified time period.

Premier League News: Who are MSP?

MSP Sports Capital describe themselves as investors in sports teams, leagues and businesses that 'pursue ambitious, challenging tasks'.

Their current portfolio includes European clubs such as Brondby in Denmark, Augsburg in Germany and Estoril of Portugal.

Their chairman, Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi, is the vice-chairman of McLaren and also a minority owner of NBA team Phoenix Suns.

He attended the defeat by Southampton in January at Goodison Park and his net worth was valued at £2.9bn by the Paddock Magazine in 2021.

Liverpool is reportedly eyeing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, but the winger comes with a steep price tag of €80 million (£66.3 million/$84.6 million).

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool is among the top clubs impressed by Yildiz's outstanding performances for Juventus. However, securing his signature could prove challenging, as Juventus values the player highly and has no intention of letting him go for a reduced fee.

The deal is described as "ambitious," with Yildiz viewed as a potential boost to Liverpool’s attacking options, especially in the event of Mohamed Salah's departure.

Read Also| Luis Campos and Luis Enrique are reportedly in a rift over transfer discussions at PSG

Who is Kenan Yildiz?

Kenan Yildiz is a highly talented Turkish winger currently playing for Juventus, widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in European football. Born on May 4, 2005, in Regensburg, Germany, Yildiz holds dual citizenship for Germany and Turkey but represents Turkey at the international level.

His rise to prominence has been marked by his skilful dribbling, creativity, and knack for making decisive contributions in the final third.

Read Also | Cole Palmer Breaks Yaya Toure's Penalty Record in a Comeback Win for Chelsea

Style of Play

Yildiz is known for his versatility in attack. Predominantly a winger, he can also operate effectively as a playmaker or second striker. His game is characterized by excellent ball control, quick acceleration, and an eye for goal. Yildiz’s ability to take on defenders one-on-one and deliver precise passes makes him a valuable asset in creating scoring opportunities.

Read Also | Manchester United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth leaves the club after just five months

How can Yildiz fit into Liverpool's system?

Yildiz is capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even a secondary striker, which aligns with Liverpool’s demand for flexible attackers. Liverpool’s system relies on high-intensity pressing, and Yildiz has shown a willingness to track back and contribute defensively.

Liverpool's success depends on squad depth, especially when competing across multiple competitions. Yildiz could provide rotation options for players like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, or Darwin Núñez, ensuring Liverpool maintains quality on the pitch even during fixture congestion.

Cole Palmer delivered another remarkable performance, breaking two records in Chelsea's thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Palmer now holds the record for the most penalty goals scored without a miss in Premier League history.

The London Derby did not begin in the way that the visitors would have expected with the game being thrown into disarray at the start of the game.

Read Also | Manchester United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth leaves the club after just five months

Chelsea staged an impressive comeback to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory in the London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Spurs initially took a two-goal lead through Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski, capitalizing on two errors from Marc Cucurella. However, Chelsea responded strongly, with Cole Palmer playing a pivotal role in their resurgence.

Jadon Sancho reduced the deficit with a sublime finish, and Palmer converted two penalties, sandwiching a strike from Enzo Fernandez, to secure the win. Heung-min Son's late goal offered little comfort for Tottenham. Palmer's two successful penalties brought his Premier League tally to 12 for Chelsea, setting a new record for the most penalties scored in the league by a player with a perfect 100% conversion rate.

He surpassed former Manchester City star Yaya Toure, who netted all 11 of his penalty attempts during his illustrious career at Manchester City.

The most Premier League penalties scored without ever missing:

Cole Palmer – 12

Yaya Toure – 11

Dimitar Berbatov – 9

Raúl Jiménez – 8

Ruben Neves – 8

Hello and welcome to another Premier League football live coverage by Sportz Point. Tonight, we will be covering the Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

This is London’s third-oldest top-flight derby and both teams will have everything to play for to battle for the league title. Spurs are struggling at number eleven on the points table With only 20 points from 14 games. Meantime Chelsea are battling for the top spot along with Liverpool and Arsenal With 28 points from 14 games.

Get ready for all the exciting life coverage of the Tottenham vs Chelsea match as Koushik Biswas brings you free commentary and news from the web desk. 

This fixture holds so much history in the League fondly called the Merseyside derby it was one of the most fiercely contested games. As these two iconic clubs clash again, the stakes are as high as ever, with city pride and crucial points on the line. Everton will look to break Liverpool’s dominance in recent meetings, while the Reds aim to assert their superiority and keep their season's momentum alive.

Match Details

Match: Everton vs Liverpool

Date: 07/12/2024

Time: 6:00 pm (IST)

Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England.

Match Preview

Everton will bid farewell to Goodison Park at the end of the season, a stadium that has been their home for decades and the venue for 244 Merseyside derbies. The 245th derby, set for tomorrow, will be the last held at Goodison before the club transitions to their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock.

This historic occasion adds extra intensity, as Everton will be determined not to lose their final derby at the iconic ground to their fierce local rivals. Bragging rights and legacy will be on the line.

Everton manager Sean Dyche heads into the match with confidence following a dominant 4-0 win over Wolves midweek, a performance that highlighted their set-piece strength, with players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Tarkowski posing significant aerial threats.

Their physicality in midfield will also be key to disrupting Liverpool’s flow, potentially creating a hostile environment that the Reds have struggled with in the past.

Read Also |  Erik Ten Hag is reportedly shortlisted to replace Marco Rose as the next RB Leipzig manager

On the other hand, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will aim to rally his team after a frustrating draw against Newcastle, where they dropped two crucial points. Slot's side faces pressure from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea closing in behind them in the standings. 

Liverpool, however, have match-winners aplenty, with Mohamed Salah in exceptional form. His pace, sharp runs, and finishing ability will test Everton's defensive resolve. Liverpool also boasts creativity throughout the squad, capable of turning even the most random moments into goal-scoring opportunities.

While Liverpool may be favorites, Everton’s determination to make their last derby at Goodison unforgettable could set the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling encounter.

Read Also | 5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Most Goals in Premier League History

Head- to- Head Stats

The two sides have played 64 times with Liverpool dominating the fixture. in the last 5 meetings, the visitors have won 3 times, while Everton has won once and the other has ended in a draw.

Matches played- 64

Liverpool win- 28

Everton win- 11

Draws- 25

Team News

Everton

Armando Broja made his Everton debut late in Wednesday's victory and had a promising impact, creating two opportunities that Jack Harrison failed to convert.

Broja's return adds competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who reclaimed his spot from Beto midweek and contributed to the two own goals scored by Craig Dawson.

Meanwhile, Youssef Chermiti is expected to return in a week or two to further strengthen Everton’s attacking lineup. In midfield, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are also working to regain fitness ahead of the demanding winter schedule.

Michael Keane is doubtful while Youssef Chermiti (foot), Tim Iroegbunam (foot) and James Garner (back) remain sidelined.

Read Also | "I will not wait until summer" Joshua Kimmich plans to decide his future very soon

Liverpool

Liverpool's defensive pair, Ibrahima Konate, and Conor Bradley, remain unavailable, and their absence was evident on Wednesday, with Joe Gomez struggling at the back, Jarrell Quansah may be the preferred option to partner Virgil van Dijk in defense.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is nearing a return, although Slot has indicated that he won’t rush him back due to Caoimhin Kelleher’s strong form. However, following Kelleher's costly mistake on Wednesday, Alisson could return sooner than expected.

Alexis Mac Allister will miss the match due to a suspension after his booking at Newcastle, and it seems unlikely that Diogo Jota or Federico Chiesa will feature in such a high-intensity game.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia in talks to participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025

Possible Lineups

Everton's possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Ndiaye, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

Liverpool's possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Crystal Palace captain and England international, Marc Guehi, has avoided disciplinary action from the English Football Association (FA), despite breaching the Premier League regulations. The defender wrote a religious message on his rainbow armband to celebrate LGBTQ+ during Crystal Palace's Premier League outing against Newcastle United on 30 November, which ended up in a 1-1 draw.

The series of events 

Marc Guehi wrote religious messages on his captain's armband in Crystal Palace's dedicated 'Rainbow Laces' Premier League game against Newcastle United. Being a devoted Christian, he wrote "I love Jesus" on the armband for the game on 30 November 2024, which caught the eyes of the FA.

Significantly, Guehi did not write the word 'love' on the rainbow armband but he used a love sign instead. However, Guehi was warned about violating regulations regarding on-field slogans. Despite this warning, the 24-year-old defender proceeded to write "Jesus 'hearts' you" on his rainbow armband during the very next match against Ipswich Town on 4 December 2024. 

The regulation regarding slogans says:

Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans. For any offence, the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, the national association or by FIFA

The FA again warned Crystal Palace regarding the existing kit regulations. However, despite a second breach of the rule, they have decided against taking any measure.

Marc Guehi spoke to Sky Sports and explained his intentions behind the messages he wrote.

The message was pretty clear, to be honest. It was a message of love, of truth as well, and a message of inclusivity. So I think it speaks for itself,

Following the 1-0 victory against Ipswich on Tuesday, Palace manager Oliver Glasner commented regarding this issue in a post-match interview:

We respect every single player, especially Marc, who is our captain. He is a great guy, very humble and we shouldn't make it bigger than it is, he is very respectful to everyone in the club.

In football we are all against discrimination, it's a great campaign. We spoke about it, we speak often as he is my captain.

He is no child, he is an adult, he has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. The quote of this campaign is to be tolerant and Marc is very tolerant.

Recent rejections against LGBTQ+ celebrations from the Premier League players 

The Premier League and FA partnered with Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ charity, to promote inclusivity and diversity in football. As part of their 'Rainbow Laces' campaign, all 20 Premier League clubs were provided with rainbow-colored captain armbands to wear during matches last weekend and this week. This initiative, which began in 2013, aims to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the sport. 

However, there has been some recent displeasure the players have expressed due to their own opinions and beliefs. Ipswich Town's captain Sam Morsy was the only Premier League captain who did not wear the rainbow armband during the campaign in their recent PL outings against Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace. Ipswich stated that Morsy is a practicing Muslim and he did not wear the armband due to his religious beliefs. However, FA did not take any action as wearing the rainbow armband has not been mandatory.

On the other hand, Manchester United reportedly canceled plans to wear the special jackets supporting the LGBTQ+ community for their Premier League match against Everton on 1 December 2024; after one of their players refused to participate in the initiative. According to the Athletic, the player was Noussair Mazraoui who refused to wear the jackets due to his religious beliefs. United refused to confirm the identity of the player.