Hicks denies blocking Dubai fan plan

FALSE CLAIMS: Tom Hicks has denied reports that talks collapsed over DIC plans to install fan on Anfield board. (AFP)

Liverpool FC co-owner Tom Hicks has rejected claims that he broke off talks with Dubai International Capital (DIC) because of its plans to have a fan installed on the Anfield board, press reported on Tuesday.

DIC sources had said earlier in the day that the issue was a major factor behind the collapse of discussions on Monday.

However, Hicks issued a statement through his London-based advisors denying the claims, saying: “I can confirm after consultation with Mr Hicks and his representatives at the meetings with DIC that at no time during any such meetings did DIC propose, nor did Mr Hicks or his representatives reject, any such proposal.”

Hicks ended the talks on Monday, saying he was not interested in jointly running Liverpool “by committee” with DIC, and vetoed its proposal to buy a 49% stake in the club from his partner George Gillett.

DIC is believed to be investigating the legality of the veto, however, and is still pursuing Gillett’s stake.

Meanwhile, football finance expert Chris Brady dismissed the supposed collapse of negotiations, saying Hicks was holding out for a better price, and that a deal would be wrapped up by June.

“Clearly Hicks wants out now,” Brady told the UK’s Football Insider.

“He probably thinks he can get $450 million ($903 million) by stalling and they [DIC] will probably go to $450 million.”

“My guess is that this is a manoeuvre in a normal negotiation,” he continued.

“Hicks will wait and try and get as much money as possible by frustrating DIC, but its obvious from the dialogue he will sell.”

Dubai's Liverpool bid on the rocks
Co-owner Hicks terminates negotiations with Dubai International Capital over stake in club.

Liverpool talks not dead
Dubai will continue talks with US co-owners despite recent announcement deal was off, source says.

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