PROSPECTIVE Liverpool investor Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah al-Saud has not ruled out a complete takeover of the club but will not consider such a move until debt levels are more manageable.

The Saudi prince has been involved in discussions with George Gillett, one half of the American ownership with Texan Tom Hicks, about buying at least a part-share in the Merseysiders.

But, according to advisor Barry Didato, Prince Faisal’s interest could stretch further than that if the current debt of £250million is lowered.

"His Highness does not need to be a majority shareholder and a takeover has not been his focus," said Didato, director of strategic investments for the Saudi prince’s investment vehicle F6.

"His Highness’s shareholding could go from anything from nought to 100%.

"The debt has to be at a manageable level before Prince Faisal would invest and the current level is high.

"He cannot be looked to as someone who is going to clean up the balance sheet - Gillett has to deal with this."

Gillett and Hicks reduced the club’s debt in July but they will have to go further, as well as patching up their strained relationship, if Prince Faisal is to consider that investing is a viable option.

The agreement struck between the two Americans when they jointly bought Liverpool was that neither could sell their shares without the other’s approval.

Since then they have grown apart and despite a public show of solidarity in the summer there are still tensions between the two.

It is an issue which could prove another stumbling block to new investment.

"His Highness would not want to get involved in the >fr 1,8<problems between the pair>fr 3,8<, he is not a marriage counsellor," Didato added.

"He cannot be seen as a solution to the debt or problems in the existing relationship between the owners."

Didato told BBC Sport: "His Highness is an extraordinary man who is passionate about football.

"He has a tremendous respect for Liverpool and their fan base.

"He only wants what is best for them and is one of those rare breeds of investor who is in it for the long haul."