Liverpool owner Tom Hicks insists he will not be selling the club

Jan 20 2008

Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum/Tom Hicks/Anfield montage _320

LIVERPOOL FC co-owner Tom Hicks has dismissed claims he has had an offer to buy the club and said he and his family “expect and intend” to own the club for many years to come.

It follows reports that Dubai International Capital (DIC), rival bidder at the time Hicks and George Gillett bought the club in February 2007, had formally offered to buy the club for sums varying from £350m to £500m.

Another report also stated that the club had already been sold and quoted a Hicks family member as having been heard last year saying: “They cannot wait to get rid of the club. They are sick and tired of it.”

In response Hicks issued a statement which said the report saying the club had been sold to DIC was “a complete fabrication and is absolutely and categorically untrue”. 

“I have not received any offer to purchase the Club from the DIC or anyone else, much less accepted any such offer.  Nor do I have any intention of doing so.” 

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“Whoever is behind this false report, the facts are that I and my family have always been, and remain, fully committed to co-owning the club.

“No one in my family has ever indicated any intention or desire to sell our stake in the club, and that we expect and intend to be co-owners of the club, and to actively and enthusiastically support the club’s manager, players and fans for many years to come.”

Meanwhile DIC last night made no attempt to play down the speculation. A spokesman said the company did not comment on speculation.

Hicks has fallen out of favour with the fan base of LFC after he admitted to having met with Jurgen Klinsmann to discuss the possibility of the German taking over if Rafael Benitez were to leave the club.

Fans have welcomed the renewed interest of DIC with many calling for Hicks to sell up.

Protests are expected at Monday night's match with Aston Villa.