One thing that stuck out like a sore thumb to me, was that it was suggested if Everton had a plan for a stadium, then Abu Dhabi would have looked closer at Everton.
Kirkby plan was announced in 2007
Kirkby was 'called in' in August 2008
Man City was took over in September 2008
Kirkby move collapsed in November 2009
Essentially, what I'm saying is there was a plan in place for a stadium at the time.