THE possibility of a buy-out of Liverpool FC took a new twist last night when it was revealed that previous failed bidders from Dubai could be preparing a fresh attempt to take over at Anfield.

The Daily Post revealed last week that one of Kuwait’s richest families, the Al- Kharafis, had been involved in lengthy negotiations with current American co-owner Tom Hicks about buying the club.

Now it appears that the Kuwaiti deal has hit the rocks after the consortium leader, Nasser Al-Kharafi, balked at the asking price – believed to be in the region of £600m – as well as the publicity the talks generated.

But the fact that Hicks and his co-owner George Gillett were even considering a takeover is believed to have revived the interest of Dubai International Capital (DIC), who narrowly missed out to the American pair when they bought the club in February, 2007.

It is thought several other potential bidders have also expressed an interest.

If Dubai does make a move, it is likely to be in the summer when Hicks and Gillett’s £350m loan with the Royal Bank of Scotland – extended for six months at the start of the year – expires.

A source close to both Middle East groups said: “The price was too high and the Kuwaitis were annoyed that their interest was leaked.

“Surely in the current climate, and with time running out on the Americans who must repay or re-finance their loan in July, nobody is going to buy Liverpool at this present time.

“The price drops with every passing day, and any prospective buyer would now wait until the summer before making a move. By then, the Americans would have to accept a much lower price – around £400m or lower.”