Alisher Usmanov has reportedly decided against investing in Everton.
According to The Mirror, ex-Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has decided against making a move to join Everton as he weighs up bidding for Charlton Athletic.
Usmanov, 65, had been involved at Arsenal for 13 years as a shareholder, and was often linked with a move to buy the club outright, but ended up selling his stake to Stan Kroenke last month.
The Russian businessman, worth around £10billion, is now free to pursue opportunities to invest in other clubs, and many naturally believed that he would be heading to Everton.
Usmanov’s long-term business partner was Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s current majority shareholder, and there have long been rumours that Usmanov would eventually become involved at Goodison Park.
The Sun recently reported as much, but The Mirror now claim that Usmanov has decided against pumping money into the Toffees, as he wants an investment of his own rather than joining forces with Moshiri.
Instead, it’s stated that Usmanov wants to purchase League One side Charlton Athletic, even though a spokesperson for Usmanov denied his interest in the Addicks.
Controversial owner Roland Duchatelet is believed to be keen on selling Charlton for around £20million, which would barely make a dint in the £600million Usmanov recently received from Kroenke.
If true, it would be something of a blow to the Everton fans who had hoped that Usmanov would join up with Moshiri to turn the Toffees into a real powerhouse, but until a deal is done, there may still be at least some hope that the two businessmen will reunite at Goodison Park.
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