Liverpool close on £156m takeover

Liverpool are expected to go ahead with the planned £156m takeover by Dubai's government despite interest from American billionaire George Gillett.

The BBC understands that Liverpool have told Gillett he is welcome to undertake due diligence following his intention to make an improved offer.

But they are not encouraging him and favour the approach made by the Dubai International Capital Group.

Chairman David Moores will net more than £75m from that deal.

Moores, who owns 51.6% of shares, made an initial investment of around £10m.

DIC has almost completed its due diligence.

It is unclear what level of investment in players will be made available to manager Rafael Benitez should the deal Dubai deal go through.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said the DIC deal was "not a quick fix, a rich man's play-thing. It's a long-term model for success, based around the new stadium".

"This will take us to the next level," he added.

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