Syrian set to buy Liverpool
Published 22:51 15/04/10 By David Anderson and Neil McLeman
A former Syrian international claims to be close to buying Liverpool.
Talks between businessman Yahya Kirdi and Anfield owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are alleged to be at an “advanced stage”.
Former Celtic captain Andy Lynch, a one-time team-mate of Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish, says he has been brought on board by the Gulf-based millionaire, who is fronting up the bid, which has the backing of one of the UAE’s ruling families.
Kirdi knows Gillett and his son Foster and attended Liverpool’s match at Stoke in January, but the Americans say they are not in takeover talks with any group.
But Lynch, who has visited Anfield with Kirdi, said: “Talks are on-going with Tom Hicks and George Gillett and are at an advanced stage.
“The planned buy-out will have massive implications for Liverpool. Liverpool aren’t the force they were so this is just what they need.”
In another twist, Rafa Benitez’s agent claims an unnamed Chinese group want to buy the club – but only if the Spaniard is kept on as manager.
Manuel Garcia Quilon said: “The Chinese have an interest because they have called Rafa and told him that their condition for buying the club is that he stays as coach.”
