U.S. group in talks for possible takeover of Liverpool
Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - A consortium reportedly backed by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Thursday it is in talks with Liverpool about a possible takeover of the storied English soccer club.
The L4 consortium said in a statement that its financial adviser, Seymour Pierce Ltd., approached Hawkpoint, Liverpool's adviser, about a "possible investment in or offer for" the club.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has turned his NFL team into one of the most dominant in the league. Is Anfield next? (Jessica Rinaldi / GettyImages)
"The discussions are at an early stage and may or may not lead to an offer being made for Liverpool FC," the statement said.
The Financial Times said the consortium was put together by two U.S.-based entertaintment executives with Liverpool roots and could lead to a £100 million (US$193 million) deal for control of the club.
The paper said the consortium has the backing of a U.S. sports and entertainment group, which it said was "rumored" to be the Kraft family.
In addition to the Patriots, Kraft owns the Major League Soccer club New England Revolution - coached by former Liverpool star Steve Nicol.
Liverpool declined to comment on the club's dealings with potential investors.
Mike Jeffries, one of the men involved in the L4 consortium, told The Financial Times the group had been dealing with Liverpool.
"I can confirm L4 exists with the purpose being to conduct ongoing discussions with the owners of Liverpool football club," Jeffries was quoted as saying.
"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."
Jeffries did not give the identities of those involved in L4.
Liverpool chairman David Moores controls 51 percent of the club, but local businessman Steve Morgan and a Thai consortium have both shown interest in taking over Liverpool.
Liverpool holds the record of 18 league titles in English soccer and also won four European Cup titles between 1976 and '84.
But it last won the league championship in 1990 and has fallen behind long time rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in the past 14 years in terms of titles.
Liverpool plans to move from its 45,000-capacity Anfield stadium to a new 61,000-seat ground by 2009.
Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - A consortium reportedly backed by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Thursday it is in talks with Liverpool about a possible takeover of the storied English soccer club.
The L4 consortium said in a statement that its financial adviser, Seymour Pierce Ltd., approached Hawkpoint, Liverpool's adviser, about a "possible investment in or offer for" the club.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has turned his NFL team into one of the most dominant in the league. Is Anfield next? (Jessica Rinaldi / GettyImages)
"The discussions are at an early stage and may or may not lead to an offer being made for Liverpool FC," the statement said.
The Financial Times said the consortium was put together by two U.S.-based entertaintment executives with Liverpool roots and could lead to a £100 million (US$193 million) deal for control of the club.
The paper said the consortium has the backing of a U.S. sports and entertainment group, which it said was "rumored" to be the Kraft family.
In addition to the Patriots, Kraft owns the Major League Soccer club New England Revolution - coached by former Liverpool star Steve Nicol.
Liverpool declined to comment on the club's dealings with potential investors.
Mike Jeffries, one of the men involved in the L4 consortium, told The Financial Times the group had been dealing with Liverpool.
"I can confirm L4 exists with the purpose being to conduct ongoing discussions with the owners of Liverpool football club," Jeffries was quoted as saying.
"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."
Jeffries did not give the identities of those involved in L4.
Liverpool chairman David Moores controls 51 percent of the club, but local businessman Steve Morgan and a Thai consortium have both shown interest in taking over Liverpool.
Liverpool holds the record of 18 league titles in English soccer and also won four European Cup titles between 1976 and '84.
But it last won the league championship in 1990 and has fallen behind long time rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in the past 14 years in terms of titles.
Liverpool plans to move from its 45,000-capacity Anfield stadium to a new 61,000-seat ground by 2009.
he knows how to run a team 
but this guy did start a dynasty in the patriots
