Liverpool coowner Tom Hicks broadens search for Anfield buyer

24 January 2009 11:52
Although Hicks declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations with the Al Khafiri family, it has become clear that the Texan has been conducting an increasingly desperate search for new investment since Christmas. [LNB]Hicks dispatched Liverpool's finance director Philip Nash to Kuwait this week to continue talks with the Al Khafaris, but The Daily Telegraph understands that he and Ian Ayre, the club's commercial director, have held talks with several other potential investors since the turn of the year. [LNB]Nash has been mandated by Hicks to talk to potential buyers alongside investment bank Merrill Lynch. [LNB]At least one European investor is thought to be interested in a potential purchase, and Gillett has appointed his own bankers, Rothschilds, to help with the search. [LNB]Hicks's intention is to find an investor to buy Gillett's 50 per cent stake and to pump money into the proposed £350 million move from Anfield to a new stadium. [LNB]It is thought Gillett is anxious to sell but Hicks is determined to remain on the board himself, perhaps with a reduced holding. [LNB]Sources insist that Gillett had been involved in the negotiations. [LNB]It remains to be seen if talks with the Al Khafaris continue following the revelation of their involvement. The family was close to a deal with the Americans in July last year but walked away suddenly. [LNB]The Al Khafiri family issued a statement last night denying they were in talks to buy Liverpool. [LNB]But the statement did not rule out the possibility that they were interested in taking a large stake in the club or investing in plans for the club's new ground. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph