DIC could buy less than 50% stake in Liverpool

Manchester: The Dubai consortium battling for ownership of Liverpool may be willing to buy less than 50 per cent of the club.

Dubai International Capital (DIC) has changed its stance and is considering ceding to the demands of Tom Hicks that his co-owner George Gillett Jr. can only sell 49 per cent of the club - with Hicks wanting the final per cent for a majority stake - an executive said.

DIC was initially only interested in gaining a controlling interest, but is willing to settle for an initial partnership with Hicks at Anfield, with the long-term aim of taking full control.

Negotiations are now under way with Gillett to seal the deal.