Everton FC not on brink of takeover despite interest from Indian construction giants Jain Group (VIDEO)

EVERTON are not on the brink of imminent takeover despite rumours a wealthy Indian company are in advanced talks with owner Bill Kenwright.

Speculation has grown in some quarters over recent weeks suggesting Mumbai-based conglomerate the Jain Group are ready to inject millions into the Blues.

Jain, construction giants, who also have vast energy and property interests in their homeland, are looking to expand to the UK, and have visited Merseyside to scout for investment opportunities in the city.

The ECHO understands they were introduced to Everton after learning of their ongoing search for a new stadium and wealthy owner, and have held talks with chairman Bill Kenwright at his London office.

But sources close to the club insist the company are one of several the Toffees’ owner meets on a regular basis, and have yet to do anything to convince him their interest will materialise into anything substantial.

Video: Greg O’Keeffe on the Man United game and the Jain Group interest

Reports elsewhere today suggested Jain are exploring whether to loan the Blues money and leave Kenwright in control, or complete a full takeover.

Kenwright was present at Goodison as usual on Saturday for his side’s 1-0 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday, and was joined in by fellow director Robert Earl.

US-Based Planet Hollywood magnate Earl is a rare presence at games due to work commitments across the Atlantic, but is believed to try and make the journey for home fixtures against United and Liverpool, along with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

John Heitinga, meanwhile, admitted Everton’s form against the Premier League’s top clubs has suffered a worrying dip so far this season – but insists they will recapture their defiance.

The Holland international started his second consecutive game in the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday, as the Blues dropped to 16th.

But although Heitinga, 27, accepts the gap has widened between Everton and the top four, he says their majority possession and work ethic deserved greater rewards against Alex Ferguson’s side.

He said: “Of course they have the money and the better players. But if you consider how much money they spent on their team, and how much money we spent on our team then the gap is not so big because we were the better team at times.

“But you have to be realistic, and the top four is better than the rest at the moment. At the moment the gap seems wider.

“Last season and two seasons ago we would beat all the big teams here, and so far we haven’t got one point against the big sides. So it’s for us to fight a little bit harder, and we’ll see what’s going to happen in the future.

“The United game was one of our better games recently. We had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances, but we were a little bit unlucky because they had only two or three shots on goal and scored a goal. We had plenty of chances but just couldn’t score.”

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