Hicks Kop out - 'I won’t sell unless the price is right'

As he braced himself for an angry backlash from fans over his treatment of manager Rafa Benitez, Liverpool's co-owner dismissed claims that a deal had been done with DIC and issued a statement insisting he and George Gillett would remain in control at Anfield 'for many years to come'.

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Despite Hicks' defiant stance, it is understood he is prepared to relinquish control should the Dubai group come up with a price that would suit him and Gillett.

Both men will be missing from the directors' box for tonight's televised home game with Aston Villa. They have been warned to expect the first public show of animosity from fans who want them out. Hicks is unlikely to be swayed by such hostility and will base any decision on whether it makes financial sense.

He was still standing firm when he denied that a family member had admitted the owners were looking to sell and instead pointed to an imminent double breakthrough as evidence that he intends to push ahead with his long-term aims.

He believes a refinancing package crucial to repaying loans and funding the building of a new stadium will go through this week and that detailed plans of the ground, at nearby Stanley Park, will be unveiled in a few days.

DIC officials have held preliminary talks with Hicks and Gillett and outlined their eagerness to buy out both Anfeld bosses for about £300m.

Though it would appear to represent an immediate profit of around £40m each, there are other factors which have convinced Hicks, in particular, that he should hold out for more.

The Americans paid around £180m and absorbed an additional £40m of debt when they took over from David Moores, but they argue that Rafa Benitez's transfer dealings have pushed their total outgoings beyond £250m.

With the proposed new stadium likely to add around 20,000 extra paying customers every home game, and new television rights further boosting future income, Hicks is convinced that Liverpool's value could soar over the next few years.

He is in no mood to miss out on the chance of a healthy return on his investment and will only allow another handover of power for a price that would reflect prospective future earnings.

It is further evidence of his ruthless approach to business, but he could face a dilemma, given that DIC chiefs are just as renowned for driving a hard bargain and are reluctant to increase their valuation by much.

With interest charges on the refinancing agreement thought to be as high as £30m a year, Hicks appears to be taking a calculated gamble that could backfire on him should DIC lose patience and walk away from a possible deal.

Anfield insiders played down weekend claims that Liverpool could go the way of Leeds and find themselves having to sell their best players to stay afloat.

Even so, Hicks, who needs the continuing support of Gillett for the refinancing deal to go through, appears to be playing a dangerous game in allowing a battle of wills to develop between himself and DIC.

His relationship with Gillett has become increasingly strained, particularly regarding the way he went public over their recent attempt to instal Jurgen Klinsmann as successor to Benitez, but he is standing by his partner, for now at least.

Responding to a claim that agreement had been reached for Liverpool to have new owners, Hicks said: "It is a complete fabrication and is absolutely and categorically untrue. I have not received any offer to purchase the club from the DIC or anyone else, much less accepted any such offer.

"Nor do I have any intention of doing so.

"Whoever is behind this false report, the facts are that I and my family have always been, and remain, fully committed to co-owning the club. 'No one in my family has ever indicated any intention or desire to sell our stake in the club.

"We expect and intend to be co-owners of the club, and to actively and enthusiastically support the club's manager, players and fans for many years to come."