Tom Hicks (Getty Images)
Rafa Benitez's war with Liverpool owners George Gillett and
Tom Hicks took a stunning twist last night as it emerged one of the
two American millionaires is looking for a way out of the
club.
City sources confirmed last night that Hicks, who has been at the
forefront of the battle with Benitez, is preparing an exit
strategy. Barely nine months after arriving at Anfield in a blaze
of glory after the £219million takeover, it is understood Hicks has
placed a guide valuation of a staggering £1billion on the
Merseyside club.
And while that price is seen as ridiculous by City analysts, it
emerged last night that Dubai International Capital, the investment
group headed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and who were
jilted at the alter by Liverpool 12 months ago, could be ready to
make a new bid.
Both men initially rang the praises of Benitez, calling the manager
a genius, with many supporters predicting Liverpool would lift the
Premier League title this season after a £40m summer spending
spree.
However, results have been inconsistent, sparking criticism of
Benitez's rotation policy and prompting the Spaniard to demand more
funds in January. Hicks and Gillett have so far been reluctant to
release more money for players, prompting a very public breakdown
in relations.
Now it seems developments have reached a head with Hicks hoping to
cash in on his investment, as reported in the Mirror. Hicks'
relationship with Benitez reached almost total breakdown last week,
when the Spaniard was ordered to "quit talking about new players"
in the January transfer window.
Benitez expected to be sacked as the row intensified, although a
fragile peace was forged ahead of Wednesday's vital Champions
League win over Porto, which kept the Reds in the competition.
Hundreds of fans marched on Anfield before the game to show their
backing for Benitez.