Everton brace for more chaos as Toffees’ failed takeover means players will be sold as top scorer Abdoulaye Doucoure insists ‘we want more stability in the club’

Everton fans could get used to this. A day in the sunshine watching the Toffees win in a stress-free environment. With safety already achieved, the result did not matter in the grand scheme of things. Sadly, more chaos awaits.

The eight-month saga over a proposed takeover by Miami-based 777 Partners is dead in the water. But owner Farhad Moshiri has still not sold his 94.1 per cent stake.

Director of football Kevin Thelwell wrote in his programme notes on Saturday that players would have to be sold as points deductions have led to ‘anxiety and uncertainty’. The latest accounts showed an £89.1m loss.

Out-of-contract players would be given ‘clarity’ on their situation, he added. Six stars’ deals run out.

Captain Seamus Coleman headlines that list alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye.