Parry: takeover will take place ‘relatively soon’

LIVERPOOL chief executive Rick Parry has revealed the takeover of the club by investors from Dubai is almost complete and that a concrete announcement will be made “relatively soon”.

Dubai International Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai government, tabled a reported £450m bid in December and are currently completing legal formalities and the process of due diligence.

Parry explained: “A huge amount of work has been going on from both parts.

“I imagine we’ll have something concrete to say relatively soon on that.

“They are finalising all the legal work. They have been examining the books and satisfying themselves that everything is fine on that score.

“It is looking positive and yes, I am confident (it will go through).”

Parry confirmed the takeover would bring in the additional funds that manager Rafael Benitez wants to strengthen his squad for a tilt at the Premiership title.

But he insisted DIC are interested in building a platform for long-term success and not just bank-rolling a quick fix.

“It’s not going to be a rich man’s play thing. It is not a quick fix. It is not about rushing out to buy players for success this season or next season. It is about securing a model for long-term success.”

Parry confirmed that Benitez turned down the chance to manage Real Madrid in the summer because of his commitment to Liverpool.

“It was pretty serious and for Rafa it was clearly a temptation because Real Madrid is his club. He has been there as a player and as a coach,” he said.