Tom Hicks and George Gillett have lifted the Texas court restraining order preventing the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) from completing the sale of Liverpool.
The news would mean, theoretically, that New England Sports Ventures should be able to complete the takeover on Friday.
According to reports, NESV has a banker’s draft ready to send to RBS before the 1700 BST deadline on Friday to avoid the prospect of Liverpool going into administration.
However, the early lifting of the injunction could also be because Hicks and Gillett are keen to push through a deal via Mill Financial. Hicks is apparently looking to sell his shares to the hedge fund, which acquired Gillett’s shares in August when the latter defaulted on a loan, and it would then pay off the debts to keep the club out of NESV’s hands.
Board approval would be needed for Hicks to sell his shares – which presumably would be rejected by a margin of three to two – but if Mill offered to pay the RBS debt for Hicks, the bank may be forced to accept the new arrangement.
Indications are, though, that RBS has been advised by their legal team against accepting Mill Financial’s offer to do so.
Earlier on Friday, NESV owner Henry said on his Twitter feed: “We have a binding contract. Will fight Mill Hicks Gillett attempt to keep club today. Their last desperate attempt to entrench their regime.”
The Reds must pay off their loan to RBS on Friday to avoid the threat of administration, which could see Liverpool hit by a nine-point penalty in the Premier League.
