DIC dismisses Premier League takeover talk – report

Dubai International Capital (DIC), the investment group recently linked with a takeover of Liverpool, insisted Monday it had no plans to lanch a fresh bid for the Anfield club or any other English Premier League side.

Reports had speculated the investment arm of the United Arab Emirates government was looking at both Liverpool and troubled top-flight rivals Newcastle United.

However, a DIC statement quoted by the BBC read: “DIC is not involved in any negotiations to buy Liverpool and is not planning a fresh bid for LFC or any other club.”

Negotiations for a possible takeover of Liverpool by DIC were carried out on the organisation's behalf by PCP, a British company run which played a part in the purchase of Manchester City by the Abi Dhabi United investment group.

But the DIC statement stressed no fresh talks with Liverpool's estranged co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were being carried out on their behalf.

“Neither DIC nor any other Dubai based party is aware of any consortium or vehicle involved in a bid. DIC has not mandated PCP to act for DIC in any matter whatsoever.

“DIC would like to wish LFC (Liverpool Football Club) and its fans a successful future.”

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, responding to pressure from fans angered by the departure of manager Kevin Keegan, put the north-east club up for sale on Sunday less than 16 months after buying it for 134.4 milion pounds (239.23 million dollars).