Reds will have ‘substantial’ cash to splash, says co-chief Hicks

LIVERPOOL co-owner Tom Hicks had bad and good news for supporters yesterday after revealing the club is unlikely to be sold before the end of the year but that manager Rafael Benitez has a “substantial” transfer budget at his disposal and no star players will be sold.

The Texan and fellow American George Gillett decided last month to sell up at Anfield after more than three tempestuous years of infighting and fan protests.

But despite mounting criticism over the way the pair have conducted their affairs since taking over in March 2007, Hicks claimed Liverpool had actually improved under their leadership.