Liverpool co-owner George Gillett claims to have been “pleasantly surprised” on a visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss new club academies.

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has played down speculation that a buy-out of the Barclays Premier League club is imminent.

Saudi Arabian sports investment company F6 have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Liverpool to establish a number of football academies in the region, while chairman Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Abdulla Al Saud also reiterated his desire to buy a 50% stake in the Premier League club.

A SAUDI prince is reportedly keen on buying half of Liverpool in a deal worth up to £350 million.

A Saudi prince wants to buy half of debt-saddled Liverpool, in a deal worth up to £350m (€382m)that would mark the latest buy-in by Gulf investors in an English team, according to reports.