Roy Hodgson has welcomed the potential takeover of Liverpool by American company NESV amid reports the new owners are keen to keep him on as manager (Liverpool 7/1 – Top 4 finish).
The takeover is yet to officially go through and is subject to a legal battle from current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who believe the £300m deal with the owners of the Boston Red Sox undervalues the club.
However, chairman Martin Broughton is confident the sale will be rubber-stamped, with the Premier League set to give it the green light as early as Friday, pending the legal challenge from Hicks and Gillett.
Hodgson has revealed he has been told to expect the club to be sold to NESV and is pleased a change of ownership is finally on the cards.
“It’s very positive and of course I’m delighted,” the Reds boss told the club’s website.
“It’s been going on a long time and I know how hard the board have worked to set things up.
“I know it’s not easy for them because the owners have other ideas in terms of the sale of the club and what is achievable.
“But I was delighted to hear the news and have it confirmed that it looks like it is going to go through.”
Hodgson’s position as manager has been called into question following Liverpool’s dismal start to the season but it is believed that when NESV do take over they will back the former Fulham chief to turn things around at Anfield (Liverpool 11/1 to be relegated).
The group, which also operates Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing in the States, has claimed it plans to remove all the “acquisition debt” from the club and has a long-term aim to restore Liverpool to its former glories.
A statement said: “NESV wants to create a long-term financially solid foundation for Liverpool FC and is dedicated to ensuring that the club has the resources to build for the future, including the removal of all acquisition debt.
“Our objective is to stabilise the club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies.
“Since 2001, New England Sports Ventures has made successful investments in sports and entertainment properties.
“Our portfolio of companies – including the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park, New England Sports Network,- are all committed to one common goal: winning.
“NESV wants to help bring back the culture of winning to Liverpool FC.”
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Roy Hodgson believes Liverpool (22/1 to win Premier League) may need new owners before they can challenge for the Premier League title.