China Everbright Limited refutes reports of Liverpool takeover bid

China Everbright Limited has told IBTimes UK that it is not looking to buy Liverpool and denied knowledge of such a deal. It was earlier reported that the Chinese firm was planning a takeover in a deal worth about £800m ($1.05bn).

According to the Sunday Times, the state-backed financial services conglomerate was discussing the takeover with the Merseyside club's American owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Some units of China Everbright Limited are listed on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges.

The same report also suggested that Amanda Staveley — who helped broker Sheikh Mansour's purchase of Liverpool's league rivals, Manchester City in 2008 — was also helping the Chinese firm. The Citizens are now one of the top clubs in the Premier League, competing with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"China Everbright Limited is not involved in this deal and does not have any information about this," the company told IBTimes UK.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has also said that FSG has no plans to sell the club. However, he admitted that the Reds would be open to the idea of selling a minority stake for the right deal.

"We've said it before and I'd like to say it again: this club is not for sale," Werner told the Liverpool Echo.

"At the same time we've been clear that we actively pursue commercial opportunities which in turn helps us invest in the squad and win football matches.

"These commercial discussions can be complex and we've said in the past, under the right conditions and absolutely with the right partner, we could look at some small investment stake in the club.

"But only in the framework of doing what would be in the club's long-term best interests. I want to reiterate that the club is not for sale."