Liverpool deal almost tied up

Thailand’s Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has moved a step closer to buying a 30% stake in Liverpool.

Deputy commerce minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn claims an agreement “on all aspects” of the deal has been reached.

That is believed to include two seats on the Anfield board and a memorandum of understanding, which is the final stage before a deal is concluded, is expected to be signed in July.

Raktapongpaisarn said: “We can say that the chance to buy is more than 90%.

“We have reached agreement in principle on all aspects. At this moment we only await completion of the due diligence process, which would take about four to eight weeks to complete. This depends on how quick the work progresses.”

Due diligence refers to confirming the financial and legal status of the club.