Monday, March 29, 2010

Tom Hicks Unwilling To Sell 40 Per Cent Stake In Liverpool - Report


Tom Hicks is reportedly not interested in selling a 40 per cent stake in Liverpool, which could potentially derail any investment into the squad during the summer.

The boardroom battle is believed to have reached fever pitch, as the pressure is reportedly back on co-owners Hicks and Geroge Gillett to let go of their control of the club.

According to the News of the World, Reds managing director Christian Purslow believes he will secure sufficient investment to rebuild the squad in the summer should the Americans insist on holding the reins to the Merseyside club.

There has also been speculation concerning the future of striker Fernando Torres, who has called on the club to bring in "four or five new signings" to bolster the squad and consequently challenge for domestic and European honours.

It is claimed that any hope of hanging on to 'El Nino' will largely depend on whether Hick and Gillett remain in power after June.

Recent reports pointed toward Purslow negotiating an equity sale with the Rhone Group, who would gain 40 per cent control of the club should a deal reach fruition. But Hicks is believed to have vetoed the idea, as he would make no money from the potential takeover.

Rival investors, including the Sahara group from India, are said to be interested in a full buyout of the club, but face a similar conundrum due to Hicks' unwillingness to let go of his stake in the Premier League outfit.

It is claimed that co-owner Gillett is in line with reducing his stake for the greater good of the Reds, but Hicks' rock-solid stance is believed to be causing tension in the club's upper echelon.

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