The Premier League club Everton could face the biggest points penalty ever in the competition, according to a report on Wednesday.

The club is accused of breaking financial rules over a three-year period and could lose 12 points as a result.

This would put Everton at the bottom of the table with minus-five points, after a poor start to the season with only seven points from nine games.

The club was referred to an independent commission in March by the Premier League, which has a limit of £105 million for losses over three years. Everton have lost more than £430 million in five years and deny any wrongdoing.

Everton said in a statement that it is confident that it followed all the rules and will defend its position strongly.

“The club strongly contests the allegation of non-compliance and together with its independent team of experts is entirely confident that it remains compliant with all financial rules and regulations.

“Everton is prepared to robustly defend its position to the commission. The club has, over several years, provided information to the Premier League in an open and transparent manner and has consciously chosen to act with the utmost good faith at all times,” the club said in a statement.

The club is also in talks with an American investment firm, 777 Partners, which wants to buy it. The firm denied a report that it had already agreed a deal.