The Anfield Divorce

Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s double act may have lasted longer than the Houllier – Evans ticket, but another Liverpool marriage looks set to end in divorce.

Both co-owners are no longer on speaking terms and despite being the original interested party, it appears that George Gillett Jnr will be the first to sell his stake in Liverpool FC to DIC. As part of the original deal, either party had to offer their stake to the other – but in the current tight credit conditions Tom Hicks has been unable to stump up the cash to become sole Liverpool owner.

Dubai Investment Capital is tipped to begin the process of examining Liverpool’s books in the coming weeks, although Champions League qualification is believed to be very important in terms of the valuation of the deal so improved results in the Premiership could be vital to a potential second takeover in the space of 13 months.

Hicks is also reluctant to exit the club altogether until completion of the stadium, although the recent debacle of his son’s PR mission to The Sandon may have highlighted the degree of disdain with which he is held. DIC will also feel that they are unable to stabilise the club with the Texan still involved behind the scenes.

DIC will aim to dilute Tom Hicks stakeholding in the club by injecting more money in to the stadium plans, ensuring that they are the major players in the club and represent the controlling stake.