The Guardian reports that Tom Hicks is inclined to stop his Liverpool co-owner George Gillett from selling his 50% stake at the club to Dubai International Capital. Both Hicks and Gillett have been in negotiations with the Dubai-based consortium in recent weeks and while the former has publicly declared that he has no intension whatsoever to sell his share of Liverpool, the latter has been more receptive of the idea of a quick sell-out and an easy profit.
According to the partnership deal between Gillett and Hicks, they have first refusal on each other’s 50% stake and must give their consent to any sale by the partner. Hicks is reported to be exercising this clause in their agreement by vowing to buy-out Gillett’s stake at Liverpool should indeed George Gillett decide to pack his bags and leave Anfield.
Hicks has put down two conditions to DIC should they want to but Gillett’s shares. One, that he remained in control of the management structure and two, that he sustains the leading role in the development of a new stadium on Stanley Park. Both conditions have been rebuffed by DIC and under such circumstances Hicks has the ball in his court.
Which is not something that Liverpool supporters would like. The Kop has got so frustrated with the American co-owners that they are eager to embrace the Dubai-based bidders rather than prolong their already much impaired relationship with the Yanks.