Middle East consortiums 'hold discussions' with Liverpool over takeover amid Man Utd development

Liverpool have reportedly held discussions with two consortiums from the Middle East over a potential takeover of the club.

Rumours over the future ownership of the Reds has run rife ever since a statement was released by their current owners, Fenway Sports Group, earlier in November.

FSG said, as reported by The Athletic's David Ornstein, that they would 'welcome new shareholders' into the club.

Then, speaking last week, FSG and Liverpool chairman Tom Werner told the Boston Globe that they were 'exploring' a sale of the club.

However, he added that the scenario of the current ownership staying in place for 'quite a while' had not been ruled out.

A number of high-profile names from the world of business have been linked with a potential bid.

But links to a potential takeover from Saudi Arabian investors have gained traction following comments made by the state's sporting minister.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal told BBC Sport that the government would 'definitely support' any bid from the Saudi Arabian public sector for Liverpool or Manchester United, as it would 'reflect positively on sports within the kingdom'.

Now, new reports indicate that possibility may be moving a step closer.

Liverpool 'hold discussions' over takeover

The Daily Mail have reported that Liverpool have been in discussions with two consortiums based in Saudi Arabia and Qatar over a potential takeover of the club, with both consortiums expressing and registering their interest.

The same outlet reports it is understood that both are private companies, but are thought to have links to the ruling families of each country.

Liverpool were valued by Forbes in May at £3.6 billion - 12 times the amount that FSG paid for the club to acquire it from George Gillett and Tom Hicks in 2011.

The owners have not publicly confirmed their asking price for the Reds, although the Daily Mirror claimed earlier in November that it stands at £4 billion.

Should any interested party pay that fee, it would rival the amount paid by Todd Boehly to acquire Chelsea for up to £4.25 billion in May.

But with multiple interested parties, it could take a substantial amount of time for a sale to be completed, with FSG undoubtedly keen to get the best possible deal for themselves and the club.