Everton FC heading for an Indian takeover?

Could Liverpool-based Everton Football Club soon become the third English Premier League club with Indian stakeholders? If insider chatter, reports in the UK media and discussions on Internet Forums are to be believed then Everton FC has been holding talks with Mumbai-based Jain Group about a possible investment in the club. Currently Blackburn Rovers are owned by Pune-based Venky's while the Mittal family are co-owners of Queens Park Rangers.

Everton have been on the lookout for foreign investment for quite some time, but nothing has happened though chairman Bill Kenwright and CEO Robert Elstone have been trying their bit to get the necessary investment into the club to challenge the Premier League big boys.

Now the Jain Group, who are into construction, energy and property development back in India; are looking to expand into Europe. The Jain's seem to have shown serious interest in the club and last month they were given a tour of Everton's home ground - Goodison Park and spoke directly with the club management, but they have not asked to do a due diligence. If they will follow-up their initial interest will have to be seen.

What kind of investment could happen is unknown at the moment as a minority stake, full takeover or funding of Everton's plans for a new stadium are all options.