Hicks scuppers two 'perfect fit' offers for Liverpool - Exclusive
Tom Hicks has allegedly scuppered at least two 'perfect fit' offers for Liverpool, because of his unreasonable asking price.
Sources at Barclays Capital, who have been charged with selling the Anfield club, have revealed their private frustration at the American owner's unyielding stance in negotiations.
An insider revealed to the Mirror that they have found "exciting investors" they believe have the money and standing to buy the club and take them forward, despite the massive debts run up by Hicks and Gillett. One of the offers has come from the Middle East, and another is a consortium led by a prominent American businessman.
But, so far, the staggering valuation of almost £800million placed on Liverpool by their Texan co-owner has proved an insurmountable stumbling block, because potential buyers are refusing to pay his price.
A source working on the sale of the Merseyside club for BarCap revealed privately:
"We have found more than one really good fit investors, who have the wealth not to worry about a few hundred million quid.
"But they will not be held to ransom, because they know the asking price is unreasonable, and they simply don't want to be taken for a ride, no matter how rich they are."
There is a growing fear amongst those close to the deal that Hicks' business empire has been suffering in the global economic crisis, and that is motivating his hard-line stance over a price.
But it is claimed that BarCap are losing patience with the valuation, even though they accept that the sales document put together by the club makes impressive reading.
A source for the investment firm suggested that the figures 'add up', even before a new stadium is being built, but that has persuaded Hicks to hold out for more money.
His partner, George Gillett, is willing to accept a more reasonable offer to enable him to get out of the club, and escape the angry campaign against them from disenchanted supporters.
Hicks though, remains the massive obstacle to the deal, and that could persuade the club's lenders the Royal Bank of Scotland, to step in and take action.
The RBS have given an undertaking to extend their current loan of £237million to the Americans for another 12 months.
But worried by reports from BarCap about the difficulty in finding the right price to tempt a buyer, the bank are considering making an ultimatum to Hicks and Gillett.
The RBS are increasingly frustrated at the process, and sources close to the deal are suggesting there is a chance they will offer the Americans an ultimatum of finding a buyer "within months", or they will pull the plug on the loans.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-takeover-Tom-Hicks-scuppers-two-perfect-fit-offers-for-Anfield-club-article452141.html
