DIC Liverpool takeover crawling on

DIC reportedly to meet Hicks & Gillett to discuss Liverpool takeover

DIC, Tom Hicks and George Gillett are reportedly all to meet at the Emirates on Wednesday night to discuss the ownership of Liverpool, and DIC's proposed takeover.

George Gillett has now indicated he won't sell to his partner, and it is anticipated the credit crunch will soon force Tom Hicks hand, as he won't be able to raise the finance to buy out his partner. In addition Gillett clearly favours a sale to DIC, describing them as responsible owners.

Liverpool chief executive Ricky Parry has also come out urging a swift solution, in a further sign the tortourous saga is entering an end phase. He said "My plea is that something happens this week," he said. "There is a need for a degree of urgency but it is urgent to get it right, not urgent to come up with the wrong solution.

"I think George was pretty clear in stating the relationship between the two of them had broken down and, as a result of that, an alternative solution needs to be found.

"There is no question that to succeed you need unity at the top. I think it brings it to a head. All things are possible at the moment. Someone has to sell, that is clear if they are not able to co-exist."

The reports of DIC, Hicks and Gillett meeting at the Emirates on Wednesday to discuss the Liverpool takeover should be taken with a pinch of salt, what is clear however is that the DIC end-game is gradually edging forward and we think a DIC takeover will be complete by the season's end.

Liverpool closer to DIC takeover

Hicks softening to DIC Liverpool bid, as Gillett is expected to be first to go

Reports are being leaked to the media by one of the camps fighting over Liverpool, that Tom Hicks is now softening towards a takeover of Liverpool by DIC. The News of the World is reporting that the Americans will profit by 50 million pounds, when the deal is finally done, with Gillett the first one to be bought out. Liverpool are now valued at 400 million, with 350 million worth of debt, giving Hicks and Gillett their 50 million profit.

It will be a long and slow road however, with a nightmare scenario mooted of Hicks buying out Gillett, and assuming sole control. DIC however, are seeking a swift closing of the deal, but Hicks remains the major obstacle to completion of their takeover of Liverpool.

Interestingly, Chris Bascombe, in what must be more leaked briefings to the media, states Benitez and Hicks have now formed an unlikely alliance. Not sure what this all means, but clearly DIC are closing in and the instability surrounding Liverpool will be around for the rest of the season at least. Also given results, regardless of who owns Liverpool, Rafa Benitez must be odds on to be removed at the end of the season.

Liverpool in Turmoil

Once a by-word for stability Liverpool's season is rapidly becoming a farce

The wheels have come off big-time on Liverpool's season, and for a club of Liverpool's traditions it must be heart-breaking for the fans.

Sami Hyppia has compared them to Newcastle, which we reckon is a message from the players to the club to get it sorted and quick. All the uncertainty surrounding the manager, is clearly affecting the team and it's performances. Liverpool are a top four side, but playing with all the panache and confidence of managerless Newcastle.

Whats desperately missing is clear leadership from the American owners. They're struggling to refinance their debt, there are rumours of DIC returning to bid for the club again, and the constant speculation around Rafael Benitez has led to unprecedented headlines for a Liverpool manager. Can you ever recall a Liverpool manager having 'dead man walking' headlines. The nearest was the Gerard Houllier, Martin O'Neill saga, which as it turned out was all in Gerard's head. Liverpool desperately need to get back to the long term stability which has characterised their approach to running the club over the years.

The odds on Liverpool rescuing their season must be against them now. There has been too much speculation regarding Rafael Benitez for that to be repaired and the players know it. They are playing like they are subconsciously waiting for the next manager. However loyal they are to Rafa they can't help looking past him, given all the speculation.

It all must be desperately depressing for the likes of Carragher and Gerrard, who are entering the autumn of their careers and have devoted themselves to their beloved Liverpool.