The Dubai sheikhs, who are bidding for Liverpool, are within two weeks of a takeover – leaving Rafa Benitez on a knife-edge. Dubai Investment Capital are closing in on American George Gillett’s 50 per cent stake in the club.
They are also confident they can strike a deal with Gillett’s Yank partner Tom Hicks for his 50 per cent – and that could spell the end for boss Benitez. If DIC finally seize control, Benitez will come under intense pressure to finish in the Premier League's top four and clinch a Champions League place for next season.
A source said: “The Dubai investors are not convinced Benitez is the right man for Liverpool.
“They have been far from impressed by his very public rows with the current owners and even less impressed with the way Liverpool are struggling for consistency in the Premier League.
Like all foreign owners, they crave Champions League football, for financial and emotional reasons. If Liverpool failed to qualify for next season’s tournament, they would regard it as catastrophic.”
Liverpool are currently struggling to pip Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa to the key fourth spot. DIC’s long-running interest in capturing the Kop appeared doomed last month, as Hicks announced a £350mil refinancing deal.
Yet the name of Gillett was missing from the statement from Liverpool’s parent company, Kop Football Holdings, so the sheikhs made him their target. Benitez still enjoys massive fan support, after the 2005 Champions League triumph and reaching the 2007 final.
But despite a £55mil splash this season on stars like Fernando Torres, the 18-year wait for the league title looks no nearer ending.
Article Source – The Sun, London
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