Prince Andrew's ex-girlfriend lined up to run Liverpool FC

Mar 5 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL FC co-owner Tom Hicks last night rejected an offer from Dubai International Capital to buy his stake in the club.

The Texan’s refusal came after it emerged Amanda Staveley, a senior partner at London-based PCP, a private equity firm acting for DIC, had tabled a £400m offer to buy the club.

It is understood Hicks declined to sell his 50% share because he holds ambitions to become the majority shareholder in the club.

But co-owner George Gillett is said to be interested in taking the £200m being offered for his 50% stake, that would see him walk away with a £25m profit.

The Daily Post understands DIC’s offer was intended for Gillett but was extended to Hicks as a “matter of courtesy”.

It is believed DIC would be keen to install Staveley, ex-girlfriend of Prince Andrew, in a position of influence in the running of the club if their takeover succeeds.

DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari yesterday confirmed he had held talks with the American pair, but a spokesman for the investment arm of the Dubai government would not confirm the size of the offer on the table.

“It’s no secret that we have been in discussions with the current owners,” said Al-Ansari.

“It’s not easy because the owners are in dreamland about valuations at the moment.”

Al-Ansari later clarified that one of the club’s owners “had come out of dreamland”, without giving further details.

DIC reportedly put a midnight deadline on agreeing a deal, however this was later denied by a spokesman for the company.

The speculation surrounding a possible role for Staveley at Liverpool FC if DIC become shareholders is likely to cause yet more uncertainty at the club.

Last night, neither Hicks nor Gillett would comment about the latest episode in the saga over the ownership of Liverpool FC.

Sources close to Hicks are adamant he is sticking to his position which was outlined last week when he said reports he was about to sell his 50% stake in the club were “absolutely and categorically false”.

He added at the time: “The reality is that I am personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters and that I will continue to honour that commitment to the best of my ability now and in the future.”

Hicks believes he and Gillett effectively have a veto over the other should either decide to sell their stake, though it is believed that is only in place for three months after their re-financing deal.

The Daily Post understands that Hicks is insisting any new co-owner of Liverpool would have to be on a minority shareholder basis – with him having the controlling element.

But it is understood that DIC has said that it will only cover the £350m of debts with Royal Bank of Scotland and American bank Wachovia if it controls what happens off the pitch at Liverpool.

davidbartlett@dailypost.co.uk

The woman who made the bid >>>