"If we get a positive decision our first step will be to meet with our partners to explore all funding options.
"At the same time, we will move forward on naming rights, a powerful marketing tool proven by the Emirates stadium. It will all be hard. But, if we get naming rights in place, then 2012 is very much deliverable."
Opponents of the scheme continue to argue that Everton has never revealed its finances to public scrutiny and Mr Elstone’s funding plans are vague.
But Everton FC claims it will not disclose its finances for commercial reasons.
In an online interview on an Everton fans’ website Mr Elstone said: "It’s a matter of bargaining (with any prospective new owners) and no bargainer worth his salt gives away his position in advance.
" It just isn’t the way business is done."
