A California-based billionaire with investments spanning professional sports and entertainment has emerged as a frontrunner to purchase Sheffield Wednesday following the club's descent into administration.
John McEvoy maintains minority ownership positions in ice hockey's Nashville Predators and baseball's Colorado Rockies.
Reportedly, the American mogul has sought guidance from Jon McClure, the vocalist of Sheffield band Reverend and the Makers, regarding his prospective bid for the Championship club.
The connection between McEvoy and McClure stems from the American investor's minority stake in Various Artists, the talent management firm representing the Sheffield group.
Sheffield Wednesday are of interest to American billionaire John McEvoy
|PA
McClure, a devoted Wednesday supporter, is understood to have been consulted during preliminary discussions about the potential acquisition.
McEvoy's wealth originates from founding a mobile device distribution enterprise based in San Diego, though his investment portfolio now extends across multiple industries.
His connection to Sheffield Wednesday materialises through his equity position in Various Artists, whose roster features the Yorkshire band fronted by McClure.
The American entrepreneur previously attempted to acquire Coventry City in 2022 but ultimately abandoned those plans.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Reports say that he has been observing developments at Hillsborough for several months, positioning himself amongst what administrators describe as "four or five interested parties that look like the real deal".
His existing sports investments demonstrate experience in professional franchise ownership, albeit in North American leagues rather than English football.
The Yorkshire club entered administration last Friday, bringing an end to Dejphon Chansiri's troubled tenure as owner.
The development triggered an immediate 12-point penalty from the EFL, leaving Wednesday rooted to the foot of the Championship table on minus six points.
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure is an avid Wednesday fan
|PA
McClure took to social media to express his relief at the conclusion of Chansiri's ownership, having previously characterised a potential takeover as a "huge opportunity" for suitable investors.
The musician has been vocal in calling for change at Hillsborough, where supporters endured years of financial instability under the previous regime.
Begbies Traynor partners Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield and Paul Stanley were appointed as joint administrators.
The administrators have outlined specific requirements for prospective purchasers to advance in negotiations.
Joint administrator Kris Wigfield told the BBC: "As always, you get a lot of interested parties that probably aren't going to meet the criteria, but within the numerous inquiries we've had, we certainly think that there are already four or five interested parties that look like the real deal."
Potential buyers must demonstrate they possess adequate funding to sustain the club's operations for multiple years.
Additionally, candidates must satisfy administrators they will meet the EFL's fit-and-proper-persons test before serious discussions can commence.