Mina, left, was one of the big-money signings which sees Everton make a £111 million loss last year

Alisher Usmanov has strengthened his links with Everton after the company he owns with business partner Farhad Moshiri spent £30 million acquiring an option to purchase naming rights for the club’s proposed new stadium.

The deal with USM, a holding company set up by Usmanov and Everton owner Moshiri in 2012, was announced at the club’s general meeting and raises the prospect of a lucrative, long-term investment package.

The agreement was struck last month and comes as Everton announced record losses of £111.9 million after tax for the 13-month period to June 30, 2019, although they remain compliant with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

Usmanov, the Uzbek-born Russian tycoon, has not been involved in English football since selling his shares in Arsenal to present