Philip Nash, the club’s financial director, has already travelled to the Middle East, and is understood to be holding discussions aimed at reducing the club’s debt in the first instance.

The Al-Kharafi family had previously been involved in talks to buy Newcastle.

They are led by two brothers, Nasser and Jassem, but the planned purchase of Liverpool is likely to be a project overseen by one of their sons.

And it has also emerged that Nasser claims to be a Liverpool fan.

He attended Liverpool College of Commerce before graduating with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in business administration.

Hicks and Gillett both now plan to attend the home game with Chelsea on February 1 when their objectives will be clearer, and they are also likely to try to revive contract negotiations with manager Rafael Benitez.

“There is definitely some activity going on, but where it is up to now is anyone’s guess,” said a club source.

Last night, Hicks declined to comment.

Gillett wanted to sell to Dubai International Capital last season, only to be thwarted by Hicks.

In the 50-50 partnership, both sides must agree on a deal to sell, and it is understood the pair have agreed to sell on the same terms.

The impetus to sell increases by the day, as the pair’s current re-financing loan of £350m with Royal Bank of Scotland, taken out when they bought the club two years ago, expires in July.

That loan was extended for six months at the beginning of the year, and the chances of negotiating a new loan are thought to be remote, but not totally out of the question.