Liverpool to be bought by Red Sox owners

English Premier League side Liverpool is to be sold to New England Sports Ventures (NESV), the owners of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, it has been confirmed.

NESV owns a portfolio of companies including the Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Rousch Fenway Racing.

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton said: “I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive.

“The board decided to accept NESV’s proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV’s philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox.

“We’ve met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club.

“By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team.”

However, any takeover will requires the resolution of a legal dispute between Liverpool’s current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The pair tried to sack managing director Christian Purlow and commercial director Ian Ayre in an attempt to keep control of the club.

The sale will also have to be approved by the Premier League.