Liverpool set to keep hold of Gerrard and Torres after 100m investment

Published: 15 Mar 2010 - 08:31:11

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Liverpool set to keep hold of Gerrard and Torres after 100m investment

The despised reignof Tom Hicks andGeorge Gillett at Liverpool couldsoon be over in amove that would keepSteven Gerrard andFernando Torres from theclutches of Spain's toptwo teams. In a breakthrough that underlinesmanaging director ChristianPurslow's determination togenerate cash for the ailingAnfield club, an investmentoffer of £100million has beenmade by the Rhone Group, whoreputedly have funds of £3bn attheir disposal. Significantly for Hicks andGillett, and those Liverpool fanswho have repeatedly called for achange of owners, the privateequity and fund managementfirm want a controlling stake inreturn. Striking it lucky: Torres should see new signings if Rhone's bid is accepted It is understood due diligencehas already been carriedout and that Liverpool havenow been given a month torespond to the offer.But they are the first of six orseven interested parties todeclare their hand and make afirm bid, in a development thatindicates Hicks' and Gillett'shold on power is nearing an end. Although Hicks, in particular,is reluctant to hand over thereins, a summer deadline forrepaying £100m of a £237mRoyal Bank of Scotland debtlooks like forcing his hand. Wanted: Steven Gerrard Barcelona are still pursuingTorres, who has outlined hismisgivings over Liverpool'splight in a Spanish newspaper,while Real Madrid are beinglinked with a move for Gerrard. A boardroom coup wouldrelease funds for the new facesTorres is demanding and put anend to Real's hopes of signingGerrard, whose one remainingambition at club level is to liftthe Barclays Premier LeagueTrophy as Liverpool skipper. 'It's really important the clubwork hard to bring in top players and improve the quality ofthe squad,' said Torres in aninterview with Spanish newspaperAS. 'To be competitive, weneed four or five top-class players,better than are here now.Without reinforcements we willbe battling again to make fourthplace. I want to be competingnext year to win the League andthe Champions' League orEuropa League, but that willmean bringing in signings.' Liverpool are still in talks witharound half-a-dozen otherpotential investors and expectto have final bids in place byEaster, prior to the successfulapplicant being named beforethe end of the season. The Rhone Group, who haveoffices in London and Paris butwhose headquarters are in NewYork, are keen to dispel anyfears about control of Liverpoolpassing from one American duoto another US group if they aresuccessful. Controversial: George Gillett (left) and Tom Hicks They insist they arean international outfit.Though their initial £100mpayment would be earmarkedfor reducing debts, money couldalso be available for signingsand a £350m new stadium. Whether the transfer fundswould be entrusted toRafa Benitez is unclear.New owners may concludea change ofmanager is needed whatever the costof compensation. Liverpool 'in talks' with private equity group over £118m deal for 40 per cent of Anfield club as Tom Hicks and George Gillett look to reduce debtTorres ready to quit Liverpool: Dismal season forces striker to ponder future Gary Lineker: Jose Mourinho will be back at Liverpool or Manchester City Ian Ridley: Luck can't last for Liverpool's arrogant Rafael Benitez