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GLOBAL sports agency Inner Circle Sports which helped broker Liverpool FC’s two US take-overs has joined the hunt to find a buyer for Everton FC.

Inner Circle Sports, who led first Tom Hicks and George Gillett, then John W Henry to Anfield, have been given the go-ahead by Goodison Park officials to help in their ongoing search for new owners.

The New York-based firm, which also brought Ellis Short to Sunderland in 2008, approached Everton FC and asked to work with them, partly due to the club’s growing profile in the US.

EFC’s exposure across the Atlantic has increased on the back of the two successful loan spells of US national team captain Landon Donovan, and their recent FA Cup fourth round victory over Fulham was broadcast live on ESPN in America.

A club spokesman declined to comment, however, the ECHO understands Inner Circle will join other companies and individuals helping Bill Ken-wright’s takeover search, and have not been given any exclusive remit.

While the development does not signal any immediate increase in the likelihood of a buy-out, it represents the positive involvement of a company with a proven track-record in the field.

Inner Circle Sports were also behind the financing of Wembley Stadium, and have worked alongside a number of US Major League soccer clubs including New York Cosmos and Real Salt Lake.

On their website home-page, the firm describe themselves as major players in the financing market. It says, ‘We frequently work as a buy-side advisor to lead the purchase of a sports franchise or other sports-related asset.

‘We work side-by-side with purchasers to identify compelling investment opportunities and to facilitate all aspects of deal execution’.

Meanwhile, Everton FC's home fixture against Arsenal will now take place on Wednesday March 21 (kick-off 8pm).

The game, which will not be televised, was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 17 but has been moved due to Everton's involvement in the sixth round of the FA Cup.

David Moyes' men will be hoping to record their first win over the Gunners since Andrew Johnson scored the only goal at Goodison Park in March 2007.

The Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in December.