A team from the US-based Friedkin Group have been to Goodison Park, the new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock and the club's offices as their takeover edges closer.

BBC Sport understands chairman Dan Friedkin, who owns Roma, and son Ryan, president of French club Cannes, were not in attendance.

Last week, the Friedkin Group were granted a period of exclusivity by Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri as they aim to purchase the British-Iranian businessman's 94% stake in Everton.

The due diligence process involves a thorough, forensic analysis of the business to see how resilient it is and whether the group still want to proceed to complete the deal.

Although a majority purchase of the club is still not guaranteed, BBC Sport understands there is cautious optimism that it remains on track and completion can be achieved within a timescale of weeks rather than months.

They have already taken steps by making a £200m cash injection which includes paying off a £158m loan and contributing to short-term running costs.

The Friedkin Group will analyse the club's finances as well as examining the legal side including contracts that the club have signed, sponsorship deals and cost of the new stadium.

On the sporting side, the firm will assess the strength of the squad and the training ground to see what sort of investment needs to be made.