Hicks blocks DIC in Liverpool FC bid

Dubai: Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks said he has “decided to terminate'' talks with Dubai International Capital over a takeover of the Premier League football club.

According to Hicks, talks broke down with DIC over a dispute about who should be running the club.

"Based on a meeting held earlier today in Dubai between my representatives and officials of DIC, as well as other recent contacts between us and them, I have decided to terminate any further discussions with DIC regarding their possible purchase of a minority stake in Kop and, in turn, in the club," Hicks said in a statement posted on the club's website.

As hopes of a deal with DIC faded, Hicks said he will step up his search for another investor to buy out co-owner George Gillett's stake.

On Monday, a British newspaper reported the battle for the control of Liverpool could be heading for a finish as DIC was prepared to accept a 49 per cent stake.

DIC had said earlier that it was still in “advanced'' stages of talks, but didn't indicate if it was attempted to buy a controlled stake in the club. It had tried to buy the club outright three years ago.