Fenway Sports Group have declared there has been "a lot of interest" in potential new partners as they seek fresh investment in Liverpool.
And the Reds owners have suggested they would consider a gradual takeover of the club in their first public comments since announcing they were open to selling the Reds.
It emerged earlier this month FSG are ramping up their efforts of attracting new investment, with US banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley appointed to assist with the search as the American owners explore their options after seeing Liverpool rocket in value during their 12-year stewardship.
READ MORE: Liverpool midfielder close to agreeing new contract as Reds continue future plans
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham 'demands concrete offer' from Liverpool as Borussia Dortmund 'unrest' emerges
FSG - then known as New England Sports Ventures - purchased the club for £300million in October 2010 with influential American business publication Forbes now suggesting the club is worth £3.6bn.
Several parties have already been linked with an interest in Liverpool, the latest being Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment. And Sam Kennedy, an FSG partner who is also CEO of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports partner, has provided an update on the process, which is being managed by FSG president Mike Gordon.
“There has been a lot of interest from numerous potential partners considering investment into the club,” said Kennedy. “It is early days in terms of exploring possibilities for possible investment into Liverpool.
“Mike Gordon has done an extraordinary job of leading the club for the past decade-plus. He will be taking a step back from that role and (Liverpool CEO) Billy Hogan will be taking on more and more. Billy’s someone we’re particularly proud of in the Red Sox front office, he grew up in our organisation.”
The Boston Globe has quoted Kennedy speaking at the Major League Baseball headquarters in New York, where principal owner John Henry and FSG chairman Tom Werner are attending owners meetings.
The report states interest has come from both those wanting to purchase the club outright and those who would like to buy in as minority partners. It also says Kennedy has indicated there could be an approach where a minority stakeholder is brought on board and, over a period of time, acquires enough shares to gain majority control and become the new owner.
“Great companies grow by adding value to their business,” added Kennedy. “One way to increase that value from time to time is to sell assets or add investors. Does that mean FSG is going to sell Liverpool? I do not know. It’s John Henry’s, Tom Werner’s and Mike Gordon’s job to responsibly run Fenway Sports Group and they felt this was an ideal time to explore possible opportunities for investment into the club.”
Kennedy, meanwhile, insisted the situation at Liverpool is not related to FSG pursuing a basketball franchise in the NBA.
“We have, over the years, expressed interest in making investments in other sports, including the NBA,” said Kennedy. “Nothing is imminent. As it relates to expansion, the league has not determined what it’s going to do on that front.”
READ NEXT:
- Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment chief gives ownership clues amid Liverpool takeover interest
- Jordan Henderson has broken 'golden rule' to offer Jude Bellingham Liverpool transfer hint
-
Alisson Becker truth alarmingly clear as Darwin Nunez makes major Liverpool move
- Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment stance on Liverpool takeover as FSG asking price emerges
- Liverpool £270m talent set to compete at 2022 World Cup after Anfield exit
