The board of directors at Liverpool (Evens – Premier League Top 6 finish) has agreed the sale of the club in principle, subject to the approval of the Premier League, to New England Sports Ventures.
The potential takeover is also subject to the resolution of a legal dispute between the two owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, who did their best on Tuesday night to avert the sale and regain control at Anfield.
Two “excellent” bids were received last night but the US owners tried to block the sale by replacing managing director Christian Purslow and commercial director Ian Ayre with Mack Hicks and Lori Kay McCutcheon.
Hicks and Gillett argued that the English directors were not acting in the best interests of the club by saying the NESV bid, and another from Asia, “dramatically undervalued the club”.
Purslow, Ayre and chairman Martin Broughton are taking legal action over their possible exits and are trying to force through a sale.
Broughton told the club’s website: “I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive.
“The board decided to accept NESV’s proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV’s philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at the Red Sox.
“We’ve met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club.
“By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. I am only disappointed that the owners (Tom Hicks and George Gillett) have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale.”
NESV are partly owned by futures and foreign exchange trading advisor John W. Henry, who has an estimated fortune of £540m, and own a number of sporting companies, including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Rousch Fenway Racing.
Liverpool’s off-field problems have had a huge effect on matters on the pitch with the Reds (11/1 to be relegated) enduring their worst start to a season since 1953-54, when they were relegated.
Roy Hodgson’s men have won just once this season in the Premier League – a 1-0 victory over West Brom at Anfield – and have slipped to 18th place in the table, while they were also dumped out of the Carling Cup by League Two minnows Northampton.
Liverpool (10/1 – Europa League outright betting) do top Group K in the Europa League after a win and a draw in their first two matches but will be looking for a dramatic turnaround of their domestic form to try and ensure of qualification for next year’s European competitions.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.