Dubai moves for Liverpool "at advanced stage"

(AFP)   

DIC had been hoping to secure a controlling stake of the legendary English club after one of its American owners, George Gillett, signalled a willingness to sell his 50 per cent holding.

Gillett cannot sell out without the accord of his co-owner Tom Hicks, who wants to retain majority control.

Reports in the British media have suggested that DIC could be willing to accept a deal that leaves Hicks with 51 per cent of the club and allows Gillett to bow out, a year after he joined forces with his compatriot to buy the club.

DIC, which had been involved in lengthy negotiations with Liverpool at the time Gillett and Hicks took control, said last week that the Americans ”were in dreamland" over the valuation of the club, but it seems a deal is now close.

"Dubai International Capital confirms it is in advanced discussions with the co-owners of LFC, but that no agreement has been reached on price or shareholding percentage," a statement from DIC said.

Gillett and Hicks have proved extremely unpopular with Liverpool fans, many of whom were enraged when the latter revealed they had discussed replacing manager Rafael Benitez with Jurgen Klinsmann.

Hicks has since given Benitez his unequivocal backing, but that has not quelled discontent among supporters, many of whom are involved in a project aimed at buying the club back and running it along similar lines to Barcelona, where the club president is directly elected by fans. (AFP)