Billionaire Makes Reds Bid
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Huang seeks Liverpool takeover
Widespread reports in the English press suggest Chinese billionaire Kenny Huang is in negotiations to take charge of Liverpool.
Huang, the chief executive of Chinese sports investment company QSL, is said to have lodged a bid to the Royal Bank of Scotland, which would leave the current owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, without profit.
Hicks and Gillett are said to be looking for £600 million but - following the refinancing deal put in place earlier this year - RBS is reportedly able to take control of the sale if it feels it will offer the best chance of repaying its loan. Huang has apparently made a direct offer to repay the £237 million debt.
The Daily Telegraph claims that, as a result of Huang's valuation, Gillett has told the RBS he is in advanced negotiations with Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi to delay the sale.
Hicks and Gillett put Liverpool up for sale in April but there has so far been little prospect of a deal being completed. A New York-based equity firm earlier made an attempt to purchase a 40% stake, but the bid was dismissed by the duo.
Hicks and Gillett purchased Liverpool for a reported £219 million in 2007 and, speaking in April, Hicks said: "Liverpool will be the most profitable investment I have ever made. I should make four times my money."
The Independent says Fernando Torres "was briefed on the approach some time ago and will be encouraged, on his return to Melwood, to await the outcome of discussions between the tycoon and Royal Bank of Scotland". Torres is keen to see further investment at Anfield.