£1bn bid for Liverpool FC looks on cards

A £1bn takeover bid for Liverpool from Chinese state-owned consortium Everbright is imminent, according to reports.

Business-focused news agency Bloomberg says the mammoth offer follows an initial one of £750m.

This is despite Everbright chief executive Chen Shuang’s assertion – reported by Reuters earlier this week – that he was no longer interested in putting money into the Anfield club.

However, The Liverpool Echo says rumours persist of interest from a partnership of Everbright and private equity firm PCP Capital Partners, suggesting the increase in the Premier League’s broadcasting income and the rise in Anfield’s capacity to more than 54,000 seats has increased Liverpool’s valuation.

American magazine Forbes recently valued the club at £1.16bn – an increase of 58% over the last year.

Current owners Fenway Sports Group, which bought the club six years ago for £300m have insisted Liverpool is not for sale, but have been inviting bids from investors wanting a minority stake for some time.