SPANISH INVESTMENT TALK RUBBISHED

Monday 27th March 2006
ANFIELD ONLINE LFC NEWS

SPANISH INVESTMENT TALK RUBBISHED

Rumours have been circulating about some Spanish investment in to the club, but reports today have rubbished the speculation of a substantive investment as the reds are currently looking at a couple of other deals.

Spanish tycoon Juan Villalonga's interest in investing in Liverpool is unlikely to lead to him buying a stake in the Anfield club.

The former president of telecoms giant Telefonica has been linked with Liverpool after the club admitted they were searching for fresh investment.

Liverpool have been linked with a variety of potential suitors.

But BBC Sport understands that while Villalonga may be keen on Liverpool, a deal is not expected to materialise.

It is understood Liverpool are aware of his interest, but claims that he has held talks with chairman David Moores are wide of the mark.

Villalonga received a reported £14m pay-off when he left Telefonica last year, and Liverpool are a major source of interest in Spain, with Rafael Benitez as manager and internationals Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Morientes in their side.

Liverpool appointed financial advisors Hawkpoint in March 2004 to seek out potential investors, but the search has so far proved fruitless.

Local building magnate Steve Morgan failed in his bid to buy into the club, and Liverpool have also been linked with American billionaire Robert Kraft.

Chief executive Rick Parry held talks in the US with the Krafts, who own New England Patriots NFL team, but Liverpool insisted he was merely fulfilling a long-standing invitation.

But it is understood talks are still continuing with a number of parties as Liverpool attempt to fund a £170m ground move and provide cash for Benitez to strengthen his squad.

Discuss this news item with other fans in our forum