Reds could land Saudi funds

English giants Liverpool could secure significant new investment with a private Saudi sports investment company in talks with co-owner George Gillett.

F6, who are chaired by Saudi prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah, have confirmed they are holding talks with Gillett, who holds power at Anfield alongside fellow American Tom Hicks.

Hicks and Gillett have been forced to shelve plans for Liverpool’s new stadium due to the ongoing global economic crisis.

And manager Rafa Benitez saw his summer transfer budget restricted with the signings of Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani largely financed by Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid.

F6 could purchase all of Gillett’s 50 per cent stake to take joint control alongside Hicks, with another option that they buy part of the Texan’s share.

“We have not reached a final agreement yet,” Gassim Hamidaddin, F6 deputy managing director, told Reuters.

“We are discussing how much 25 per cent or 50 per cent in Liverpool will be worth.”

Hicks and Gillett have come under fire from some Liverpool supporters since taking charge, with the duo also enduring a fractious relationship at times.