Liverpool FC Set For Cash Boost As Hicks Considers Stars Sale

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is considering selling his NHL ice hockey franchise the Dallas Stars.

According to a report on ESPN, Hicks' holding company, the Hicks Sports Group, confirmed that Galatioto Sports Partners have been tasked with sourcing potential investors or outright buyers for the Stars.

In October, Hicks sealed a deal worth some US$500 million that saw him sell off his Texas Rangers MLB franchise.

Dallas Stars president Jeff Cogen said: "While a sale is not a certainty it is a possibility and Mr Hicks has received numerous inquiries about the team."

Liverpool's financial woes have been well-documented this season. Yet, it is still unclear what any potential Stars sale would mean for the Anfield club.

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow recently conceded, however, that the club needed to reduce its debt from £237 million to £137 million by July, when its current refinancing deal comes up for renewal.

Liverpool had planned to issue new shares, diluting the ownership of American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Should Hicks receive a substantial cash boost from a sale in America, however, he may have the wherewithal to strengthen his position at Liverpool.

Liverpool's quest for commercial success has been complicated by the club's early exit from the Uefa Champions League this season, and would be made even more difficult if the team fail to qualify for the lucrative competition next year.

In his time at the club, Purslow has alread secured several lucrative commercial deals, including a club record shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered.