Prospective Everton owner takes blame for Fulham transfer collapsing where player disappeared

Everton’s prospective new owner has taken the blame for trying to force one of his players to join Fulham on transfer deadline day.

John Textor is the owner of Lyon and was at the centre of the drama with Ernest Nuamah heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage.

Textor says that he’s apologised after trying to force the player to join FulhamCredit: YT: Olympique LyonnaisA deal had been agreed between Lyon and Fulham for the transfer of the winger with just a medical to be completed when the deal started to unravel.

According to reports in France, Nuamah wasn’t keen on the move to England and decided to go AWOL – refusing to answer his phone or show his face as those around him tried to facilitate his medical with the Premier League club.

Nuamah never wanted the move and was reportedly in tears at the prospect of the transfer to Fulham, with the deal being pushed by Textor and the French club’s hierarchy who were keen to balance the books.

READ MORE ON FOOTBALLInstead, the 20-year-old Ghanaian wanted to stay and fight for his place with Lyon set to compete in the Europa League.

Having apologised to the player privately, Textor has since discussed the saga in a press conference, saying: “He didn’t want to leave.

“I contacted Ernest [Nuamah] very quickly, I apologised, I learned a lot.

“He is a very valuable person.

“These kinds of decisions make players say that OL is a big club with extraordinary facilities, we are in the Europa League.”

Textor is the top name in the mix to purchase Everton Football Club with the American in a period of exclusivity over a deal.

Textor, who currently owns a 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace, has hinted that a deal for the Merseysiders is close – something Everton’s interim CEO Colin Chong chose to play down.

Nuamah was set to complete a medical with Fulham but went AWOL as he didn’t want to moveCredit: Getty

Textor is in a period of exclusivity regarding a deal to buy EvertonCredit: GettyWriting on Everton’s Official Website, Chong said: “The club is aware of the comments made by John Textor in relation to the possible purchase of the club.

“While positive conversations and progress continue to be made with Mr Textor to formalise any deal with him, there remains some work to be done to complete the transaction.

“Accordingly, the comments made by Mr Textor merely represent his personal views on club matters.

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“Everyone at the club is staying focused on providing the best support possible to Sean [Dyche] and the squad as we head into the weekend’s fixture.

“The club will provide updates in respect of the new investment when there is material news to communicate to supporters and other shareholders, and this will be done through official club channels.”