Canadian consortium 'close to buying Liverpool'

Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi says his consortium of Canadian and Middle East investors is in the "final stage of negotiation" to buy Liverpool.

The group claims it has agreed terms with current owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks and is negotiating a purchase agreement with the Americans.

Kirdi, who is now a Canadian resident and represents the Canadian-based group of investors, said: "Agreement has been reached on all major terms including the purchase price, repayment of the existing bank debt and financing of a new stadium in Liverpool's Stanley Park.

"A formal purchase agreement between the parties is in the final stage of negotiation."

Kirdi promised that if the consortium was successful in its bid, money would be made available to Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson.