The embattled prospective buyers of Everton, 777 Partners, have engaged finance restructuring experts, casting further doubts over their ability to complete a takeover of the Toffees.
777 agreed to buy majority owner Farhad Moshiri's 94% stake in the club in September, but uncertainty is growing over whether they can get the deal over the line.
Over the last two weeks, the Miami-based investment firm has come up against accusations of fraud and suffered financial difficulties in other parts of the business.
Moshiri has held talks with 777 this week as he looks for clarity regarding their situation, and whether they have the cash available to pay off a £158m loan owed to MSP Sports Capital.