Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has revealed he held talks with Dubai International Capital - but only about the company becoming a ‘minor investor’ in the club, while he also reiterated his support for manager Rafael Benitez.
DIC rejected the opportunity and Hicks insists that is the end of the matter.
Hicks, and fellow co-owner George Gillett, are now focusing on taking Liverpool forward after completing their £350 million refinancing package.
Of that, £105million will be debt tied to the club - £60million to kick-start the building of a new stadium and £45million for future transfers.
While Hicks said that there was never any intention to sell the club to DIC, he told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: ‘I did talk to them about a 10-15% participation but that was months ago.
‘We gave them a valuation as a minority investor but they thought the price was too high. We have had no conversations since then.
‘We would have used that capital towards the new stadium but we will find other ways.
‘We have the capital. I have put in a lot of money and we will put in more in if need be. I am very excited about the future of the club.
‘This will be the finest football stadium in the world. People should be very proud of it and I want to win the support of Liverpool fans with my actions.’
Hicks has indicated he would like Rafael Benitez to remain as manager at Anfield when his contract ends in two years.
Hicks has also stated that he would back Benitez's bid to secure £17million-rated midfielder Javier Mascherano on a long-term deal.
The American businessman's backing comes at a time when Liverpool are struggling to claim a Champions League place, lying sixth in the Premier League , two points behind fourth-placed Merseyside rivals Everton.
Hicks, however, is building bridges with Benitez along with Gillett after talks with the Spanish coach last month.
‘Rafa has a contract for two more years. He will be here for at least the length of it and hopefully longer than that,’ said Hicks. ‘He has our full support. Rafa has shown his strong intent to do the right thing with us about the club.
‘He has been a gentleman and we have had much better communication. He has my total backing. I have made that very clear.’
Asked if he would endorse a proposal from Benitez to sign Mascherano, Hicks said: ‘Absolutely. We have never turned down Rafa's request for money for any player he has asked for. We have funded his transfer request in January and were are already having conversations about things in the summer."
On reports of a fall-out with Gillett, Hicks added: ‘George and I get along fine. Sometimes we do not agree but that is what business partners are all about.’
