da gbg bet： While most Liverpool supporters cannot wait for co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s turbulent reign at Anfield to be consigned to the dustbin of history, the American duo have other ideas. Despite calls for the duo to sell up swiftly and finally relinquish their power on Merseyside, Hicks and Gillett are determined to hang on as long as possible and bank as much money as they can in the process.
da apostaganha： The co-owners troubled stay at the club looks set to continue, with Hicks and Gillett reportedly dragging their heels over a serious takeover bid from Chinese business tycoon Kenny Huang and several other offers on the table.
Texan businessman Hicks is reportedly holding out for an astonishing £800m, a figure which continues to represent a major stumbling block for potential investors, just three years after buying a 50% stake in the club in a £218.9m takeover. Gillett however is willing to sanction a cut-price deal in a bid cut his ties with the Merseysiders after a torrid spell at the helm. Business analysts have suggested the partners £800m asking price is a wildly unrealistic valuation, particularly as the club is currently saddled with £350m of debt. The true valuation of the club is considered to be nearer £325m, while investor Huang would be willing to bid up to £350m.
After falling out with the club’s supporters, manager and even each other, it was widely thought the co-owners would be willing to lower their asking price in order for a quick sale. The deeply unpopular pair fell out with Kopites after piling the club with debt, failing to deliver on a new stadium and entering into a bitter and public feud with former manager Rafael Benitez. It now appears the Americans are prepared to risk angering supporters even further by digging in and holding onto the club for as long is it takes for their valuation to be matched.
Potential investor Huang has been in talks with Royal Bank of Scotland representatives for several weeks now and has been desperate to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window. This would give new manager Roy Hodgson the funds to bolster his squad ahead of the start of the season. While Huang and his investment company QSL Sports Ltd are keen to close a deal for the club they are unlikely to meet the current owners’ outrageous demands.
Meanwhile Hicks has also been accused by sources at Barclays Capital, the company in charge of the investment search, of already scuppering two perfectly legitimate bids as he looks to increase his profit margins from the sale. However RBS, who are owed £237m from Liverpool, could yet intervene by handing Hicks and Gillett an ultimatum to find a buyer if they want to continue receiving the bank’s backing.
A source from Barclays Capital revealed: “We have found more than one really good fit investors, who have the wealth not to worry about a few hundred million quid.
“But they will not be held to ransom, because they know the asking price is unreasonable, and they simply don’t want to be taken for a ride, no matter how rich they are.”
The longer the Americans remain in power at Anfield the more detrimental it will be to the long term future of the club. Having received a torrid of abuse during their three and a half year tenure at the club, Hicks and Gillett will be prepared for any supporter backlash should they attempt to block Huang’s efforts to seize control of the club. The handling of the sale simply highlights where the current owners’ priorities lie and they are certainly not with the future of the club.
Chinese investor Huang’s bid gives Liverpool the chance to move forward and should the Americans act swiftly and realistically, then the club could have a new owner before the start of the season. This would bring a huge sense of optimism to the club’s manager, players and supporters and possibly even the chance of fresh funds for signings after three years of doom and gloom under the Yanks.
After increasing the club’s debt by £200m and failing to deliver on player investment and a new stadium, the least the Americans can do is agree to a quick sale and let the club move forward. However should the Americans remain in charge; a huge dark cloud will remain over the club well into the new season.
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