Everton are prepared to fight the Premier League over their recently imposed ten-point penalty and are confident that it will be drastically reduced or even rescinded, 90min understands.
The Toffees were previously found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations during the 2021/22 season, exceeding the maximum spend by close to £20m, and learned their fate from the Premier League's independent commission last week.
The points deduction was the biggest sanction ever handed down in Premier League history - only Middlesbrough and Portsmouth had ever had points taken away in the league's previous 31 years - and comes at a time when Everton are in the midst of takeover talks with American investment firm 777 Partners.
Bur rather than take the punishment lying down, 90min understands that Everton are ready to contest the decision as they feel the punishment is excessive and harsh given the circumstances. The club are confident the decision can be overturned upon appeal but recognise that swift action must be taken as they now sit in the relegation zone alongside Sheffield United and Burnley.
One complication is that Everton are facing a potential compensation claim from Burnley, Leeds and Leicester, who have all been affected in some way by the Toffees' breach of financial rules.
Burnley were relegated during the 2021/22 season, when the overspend occurred, while Leeds and Leicester dropped into the Championship last season. The latter two clubs feel aggrieved that Everton's case was not dealt with sooner by the Premier League, when a points deduction in the previous campaign would have relegated the Toffees.
Southampton, who were also relegated last year, are yet to join the claim but are understood to be considering their options.
Reports elsewhere have suggested that Everton could be forced into selling players in the New Year to help fund the club in the immediate future, but sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to 90min that isn't currently the case.
Nevertheless, 90min understands that a number of clubs are keeping a close eye on developments at Goodison Park and are ready to move if the situation does change.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are three high-profile players that are wanted by Premier League rivals, and they are arguably some of the Toffees' most sellable assets should the club need to raise funds through sales.
Calvert-Lewin has returned to full fitness in recent weeks, showing glimpses of good form, and has a number of long-term admirers that include Arsenal and Newcastle United.
The Magpies have also watched Branthwaite closely this season, alongside Manchester United, as they look to increase their options in central defence, while Belgian midfielder Onana is a player long-admired by the Red Devils, Aston Villa and West Ham, who attempted to sign the 22-year-old prior to his move to Merseyside.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Everton ready to fight points deduction and confident of overturning ruling.