Liverpool owners defeated in High Court

Liverpool’s American owners suffered a further setback on Thursday when the High Court in London ruled that their attempts to use a US court to block the sale of the club was invalid.

Judge Christopher Floyd strongly condemned the actions of Tom Hicks and George Gillett in obtaining an injunction in a court in Texas, saying their conduct had been “unconscionable”.

The ruling increases the likelihood that the 18-time English champions will be sold. New England Sports Ventures, owners of baseball’s Boston Red Sox, are favourites to complete a deal.