Meanwhile, chief executive Robert Elstone has revealed Everton have not ruled out the possibility of redeveloping Goodison as they seek an alternative to the failed Destination Kirkby project.

Plans for a 50,000-seater stadium in Knowsley were rejected in November, leaving the club to reassess their options.

And Elstone said: “We’ve met with developers and land owners and we’ve commissioned a fresh look at Goodison Park with a highly-recommended architect.

“I hope we are able to report progress in the near future.”

Everton are continuing to hold discussions with local authorities over building a council-assisted stadium.

And Elstone believes the brightening economic climate can improve the available opportunities, with Liverpool city council offering previously discounted stadium locations which include much-discussed sites in Scotland Road, Speke and Aintree.

“There are many examples of council-led or partnered stadium developments in football over the course of the past decade,” he said.

“We hope, between us, we can create a scheme which, in the first instances, passes our basic test of ‘affordability’ and, ultimately, becomes a reality.

“Several sites have been identified. All are familiar to us and all had been assessed previously but this doesn’t mean we’ll come to the same conclusions as circumstances change.

“The economy, in all respects, changes from day to day and we have to refresh our conclusions and look for new opportunities.”