Everton stand firm on Richarlison demand despite points deduction threat

Everton will stick to their demand of £60m for Richarlison, as they face an unprecedented threat of a points deduction.

The Blues are reluctant to sell their star player, but must face up to the stark reality of a serious sanction from the Premier League, if they fail to comply with profit and sustainability rules relating to debts.

As it stands, the Goodison club must raise funds to balance their books before the end of their financial year…which comes on June 30. And they have little alternative but to sell to do that.

The Merseyside club have been in talks with Spurs over the transfer of Richarlison for some weeks, and Chairman Bill Kenwright was seen meeting with Tottenham chief Daniel Levy in a London restaurant on Monday evening.

Mirror Football understands the Blues have turned down flat a combined offer for the Brazilian and rising Goodison star Anthony Gordon, while they are also reluctant to accept player plus cash deals, despite both Harry Winks and Steven Bergwijn being offered.

Yet the threat of a points deduction is very real. Everton must trim their debt over a period which includes this year accounts to £105m, which includes some mitigation for Covid losses.

It is understood only the sale of a player or players will allow them to meet that target, and if they don't, then the Premier League have a range of sanctions open to them.

That includes setting a budget the club must adhere to, and preventing registration of new players or new contracts for existing players. But there could also be severe financial punishments, AND points deducted.

Levy is aware of Everton's financial distress, meaning he will push a hard bargain, and negotiations are expected to continue throughout the next 48 hours.

The Blues are hopeful, though, of concluding a deal which will satisfy the Premier League,

Perhaps more crucially for owner Farhad Moshiri, reducing debts will allow him to continue with talks to sell the club to a consortium of American businessmen fronted by former Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon, where a points deduction could fatally undermine any prospect of sale.

If Everton can sell Richarlison before their deadline, it would potentially pave the way for them to make signings after July 1, which would be a new accounting year…allowing them to return to Tottenham with an offer for Bergwijn, or any other player that interests manager Frank Lampard.