Liverpool FC owners George Gillett (left) and Tom Hicks _320
That applies if the Americans fail to re-negotiate their current deal, although it is believed they still hope to achieve that. RBS were prepared to give them a six-month extension on that loan this month. But that was an existing deal, and they are highly unlikely to take on a new agreement with the Americans.
The source said: “With the Government now with majority control of RBS, it would seem unlikely that Liverpool would be allowed a huge new loan while other businesses around the country are not.”
Talks involving Liverpool’s finance director Phillip Nash and the commercial director Ian Ayre – along with high-level Hicks negotiators from Dallas – were held last week in London and the Middle East with the Kuwaitis.
But the £600m price was a sticking point, as were attempts by Hicks to continue as a minority shareholder.
Although Hicks and Gillett have appointed rival banks to try to find potential buyers, the Daily Post understands that they are working “hand in hand.”
In the 50-50 partnership, both sides must agree on a deal to sell, and it is understood the Americans have agreed to sell on the same terms.
