Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton says he is hopeful the deal to sell the club to New England Sports Ventures will go through in the next week.
Broughton faces a legal challenge from current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett who are looking to block the sale in hope they can hold out for more money with nine days left to pay the £285million owed to the Royal Bank of Scotland.
It also emerged this lunchtime that a rival bid from an Asian-based consortium was turned down in favour of the bid from the American firm, who own the Boston Red Sox.
Broughton told Sky Sports News, “We’ve agreed a sale subject to a number of things including Premier League approval. A judgement from the court must be made to clear it. I would hope this would be resolved by the end of next week.
“It’s a pity they’ve [Hicks & Gillett] have done this. It was their last chance of walking out with their heads high, and it’s a pity they’ve chosen to go this route.
“Part of the terms of me taking on this role was that they took a written undertaking that only I could change the board, and this is written down. They also gave this undertaking to RBS. This is abuse of those undertakings.
“The agreed fee from the new owners is £300million. £200million to pay off acquisition debt, and some to pay off working capital debt, plus other amenities. Other bank charges are a matter between the RBS and the new owners.
“On a short timetable, we will have a new stadium development of over 60,000 capacity. The new owners will listen to the people, just as they have done with the Boston Red Sox.
“I’m sorry I haven’t given a running commentary on these proceedings, but I said I wouldn’t. These are the best owners. Keep the faith.”
Broughton has also spoken to the club’s official web site. You can read that here.
Fans’ union Spirit of Shankly have announced they are seeking talks with the new owners, whilst ShareLiverpoolFC’s Rogan Taylor has voiced some concerns.
Head over to the forums right now to see what the fans’ reaction to this dramatic day is.
