Liverpool in £100m talks

Liverpool are reported to be in talks with the 'L4' group, a consortium put together by two US-based entertainment executives, which could lead to a takeover.

The consortium is thought to have the backing of the Kraft family, owners of Superbowl champions New England Patriots and the New England Revolution soccer franchise, currently coached by formerly Liverpool player Steve Nicol.

Mike Jefferies, one of the men behind L4, told the Financial Times: "We are working with Keith Harris of Seymour Pierce.

"He is conducting discussions with Liverpool through Hawkpoint. I can confirm L4 exists with the purpose being to conduct ongoing discussions with the owners of Liverpool football club.

"There are a number of different constituent elements, both individuals and entities, that we believe have a direct connection with the culture and heritage of the club, as well as the experience, resource and appetite to get the club back to where we believe it deserves to be."

Chairman David Moores currently has a 51% control of the club but local businessman Steve Morgan and a Thai consortium have been linked with possible takeovers in the past year.

The rising cost of the club's proposed new 61,000-capacity stadium in Stanley Park is likely to dominate their annual general meeting, which is being held tonight.