Hicks plays down talks with Dubai investors

Updated 12.13 Sun Jan 27 2008

Keywords: rafael benitez, george gillett, tom hicks, liverpool, champions league, sport, premier league, football

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks insists he has only held talks with Dubai International Capital over a possible "minor" investment in the club.

Reports of financial problems for Hicks and fellow owner George Gillett have increased as it has become clear that the investment arm of the Dubai government is interested in the club.

"I did talk to them about a 10 or 15 per cent participation but that was months ago" - Tom Hicks

But the owners have recently completed a £350 million refinancing package, with £60 million earmarked to begin the construction of the club's planned new stadium and Hicks insists he has not discussed selling the club.

He said: "I did talk to them about a 10 or 15 per cent participation but that was months ago. We gave them a valuation as a minority investor but they thought the price was too high. We have had no conversations since then.

"We would have used that capital towards the new stadium but we will find other ways. We have the capital. I have put in a lot of money and we will put in more in if need be. I am very excited about the future of the club.

"This will be the finest football stadium in the world. People should be very proud of it and I want to win the support of Liverpool fans with my actions."

Hicks has put the future of manager Rafael Benitez in doubt by revealing that he held talks with Jurgen Klinsmann about the possibility of taking over.

But Hicks indicated that he would like manager Benitez to see out the remaining two years of his contract, then sign an extension.

Hicks added: "Rafa has a contract for two more years. He will be here for at least the length of it and hopefully longer than that. He has our full support. Rafa has shown his strong intent to do the right thing with us about the club.

"He has been a gentleman and we have had much better communication. He has my total backing. I have made that very clear."