Alisher Usmanov is open to investing in Everton after agreeing to the sale of his stake in Arsenal to Stan Kroenke in a £1.8 billion ($2.3bn) takeover.
The Russian billionaire first acquired a stake in the Gunners back in 2007, but was left frustrated in his efforts to take control of the club.
With Kroenke now at the helm in north London, Goal recently revealed that Usmanov had accepted a £550m ($712m) offer for his 30 per cent shareholding.
He claims to have received “many proposals” since agreeing to sever ties with Arsenal, with clubs across Europe prepared to welcome an injection of funds.
Usmanov is eager to have more input in his next venture than he did at Emirates Stadium, but is ruling nothing out at this stage.
That includes an extended association with English football, with it possible that long-term business partner Farhad Moshiri could be joined at Everton.
Quizzed on potential investment at Goodison Park, Usmanov told Bloomberg: “We are friends with Farhad Moshiri.
“If he needs the support, I am happy to help.”
There is an obvious attraction to life in the Premier League, with lucrative television deals and a global audience helping to deliver rich rewards.
Usmanov does, however, claim to be a fan of a number of teams across mainland Europe, with Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Roma among his favourites.
It could, therefore, come to pass that his next move into the world of sport leads him to Germany or Italy.
Pressed on roles at the Allianz Arena, San Siro or Stadio Olimpico, the 64-year-old said: “Should there be a proposal or a possibility to invest in them with good potential returns, I would consider the deal.”
AC Milan have endured financial difficulties of late, with the failure of former owner Li Yonghong to repay a €32 million (£28m/$38m) debt leading to U.S hedge fund Elliott Management taking control of the club.
