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.

Football News; Liverpool 1-0 Everton

Liverpool 1-0 Everton: Liverpool tighten their grip on fourth place

Liverpool ultimately edged past Everton, thanks to Fernando Torres, in a Merseyside Derby that perfectly encapsulated why these teams lie fourth and fifth.

Liverpool with aspirations of the title, showed why their title challenge petered out long ago. A bright opening, some excellent football and a great goal petered out, into what was at times a nervy finish, as for the umpteenth time this season they failed to finish off opponents they had dominated.

Everton meanwhile, after being overrun for the first half, hung in there, and clawed their way back into the game. In the second half they at least held their own with Liverpool, and arguably looked the better side, without looking likely to score.

Torres, and Gerrard were again prominent for Liverpool, with Torres scoring the opening goal after only six minutes. Alonso dispossessed Everton's Yakubu at the second attempt in the 18 yard box, Kuyt helped the ball on, and Torres took two touches to dispatch it past Tim Howards right hand post, to put Everton behind. Goal number 28 for him, and Liverpool again can only be grateful their much maligned owners funded Torres purchase.

Ryan Babel also caught the eye, but too often failed to deliver when in good positions. More than once his final ball was wanting and he is fast becoming a frustration. Liverpool are hoping he can be a modern day John Barnes in his pomp, all power and pace, but his crosses and choice of pass/ shot at the crucial moment are woeful at times. That said he seems to be one goal, and a lot of confidence away from exploding into life.

For Everton, their main attacking threat came from Yakubu (more Lenny Henry, than Theirry Henry as one wag has put it) and Arteta. Missing Cahill, and with Anichebe on the bench, Everton struggled to really unsettle Liverpool's backline.

Overall, Liverpool vs Everton was a good but not great game. Liverpool deserved their win, but showed why they are still way off the pace in the Premier League title race. Everton, showed last season was no fluke, and can be satisfied with their progression this year. Liverpool now look odds on to gain that coveted Premier League fourth position again and maybe Rafa Benitez can continue his reign!

Premier League: Man United 4-0 Aston Villa, Ronaldo again

Manchester United cruising to the Premier League as Ronaldo the difference again

Cristiano Ronaldo was again the difference as Manchester United continued to cruise to the retaining of their Premier League title.

Ronaldo is also astonishingly now within striking distance of scoring over 40 goals in season, with his total now reaching 35. Only Denis Law and Ruud Van Nistelrooy have scored more in a season for Manchester United. Even Sir Alex Ferguson's best ever hall of 45 in a season is now in sight.

Ronaldo was on fire in this game, scoring one and creating three others as Aston Villa were brushed aside with consumate ease. Ronaldo's goal was simply astonishing, outstanding and very, very cheeky!

As Ryan Giggs’ corner rebounded off Wilfred Bouma to Ronaldo, the winger had the cheek to attempt a backheeled flick through Martin Laursen’s legs. Being Ronaldo, it worked! After that he turned provider, setting up Rooney (twice) and Tevez, as Villa folded.

Victory assured, Ferguson could afford to give Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick half an hour off. As United prepare for their Champions League clash with Roma on Tuesday, they sent a message to their title challengers. Over to you, Chelsea.