By Gabriel Agbonlahor

22nd Sep, 2023 | 9:00pm

Agbonlahor makes sensational Everton claim

Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested there is no reason Everton can’t battle for European qualification “within a couple of years” if potential new owners 777 Partners make money available for players.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he “feels sorry” for the Toffees’ fanbase.

According to Sky Sports (20 September), the regulatory process to allow 777 Partners to take over ownership of Everton is well underway.

Last week, the Merseysiders signed an agreement for the Miami-based consortium to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s full stake in the club.

777 Partners also invest in a number of other clubs, including Sevilla, Hertha Berlin and Standard Liege.

Everton survived relegation on the final day of the season in the 2022-23 campaign and are again in the relegation zone this season.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Everton fans are just sick and tired of seeing little investment and fighting relegation year after year.

“They’re seeing other clubs being bought. Look at Aston Villa, with the money available and players coming in.

“Everton aren’t far off that. They’ve got a new stadium on the way, and if the right owners can come in – why can’t they fight for European football within a couple of years?

“That was the norm during my career. They were around the top four and in Europe.

“It’s about time they got back to that, because I do feel sorry for that fanbase.”

In other news, Everton have active interest in forward as new talks plotted.