Hicks offered DIC minority partner role at Liverpool

Tom Hicks says he his committed to English Liverpool, the club he co-owns, but did hold talks with Dubai International Capital, trying to lure the company as a minor investor.

Hicks and fellow owner George Gillett secured GBP 350 million in refinancing this past week. Had they not, DIC was waiting in the wings to make a takeover attempt on Liverpool.

Hicks said he discussed selling up to 15 percent of the club to DIC, but that the company balked at the offer.

"We gave them a valuation as a minority investor but they thought the price was too high," Hicks said. "We have had no conversations since then.

"We would have used that capital towards the new stadium but we will find other ways."

The U.S.-based Hicks said he sees Liverpool as being in his future.

Hicks played down reports that he and Gillett had squabbled, saying that business partners sometimes disagree.

Hicks also said he did not want to oust manager Rafa Benitez, and would like him to stay beyond the two years remaining in his deal with Liverpool.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.