DIC confirm Reds talks

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The Anfield ownership battle has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, with the future of Tom Hicks and George Gillett shrouded in uncertainty.

"It's no secret that we have been in discussions with the current owners," DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari told www.skysports.com. "It's not easy because the owners are in dreamland about valuations at the moment."

The US tycoons are believed to have suffered a breakdown in their relationship since taking over Liverpool last year, with reports on Tuesday indicating Hicks is preparing to buy out his co-owner.

Al-Ansari later clarified that one of the club's owners "had come out of dreamland", without giving further details.

Only last week, Texan billionaire Hicks insisted he was not planning to sell his stake in the club, denying reports he had invited DIC to inspect the club's accounts in preparation for a takeover.

Frustrated by Hicks' stance, DIC turned their attention to Gillett, who is thought to be much keener on a sale than his partner.

However, neither of the co-owners is able to cut and run without the other's consent, a point Hicks was at pains to make last week when he told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Not only am I not going to sell, my partner cannot sell without my approval."

Also, DIC are thought to want a controlling stake at Anfield, meaning they would need to convince Hicks to relinquish part of his 50% of the club as well as buying out Gillett.