Tom Hicks (Getty Images)Rafa Benitez's war with Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks took a stunning twist last night as it emerged one of the two American millionaires is looking for a way out of the club.City sources confirmed last night that Hicks, who has been at the forefront of the battle with Benitez, is preparing an exit strategy. Barely nine months after arriving at Anfield in a blaze of glory after the £219million takeover, it is understood Hicks has placed a guide valuation of a staggering £1billion on the Merseyside club.
And while that price is seen as ridiculous by City analysts, it emerged last night that Dubai International Capital, the investment group headed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and who were jilted at the alter by Liverpool 12 months ago, could be ready to make a new bid.
Both men initially rang the praises of Benitez, calling the manager a genius, with many supporters predicting Liverpool would lift the Premier League title this season after a £40m summer spending spree.
However, results have been inconsistent, sparking criticism of Benitez's rotation policy and prompting the Spaniard to demand more funds in January. Hicks and Gillett have so far been reluctant to release more money for players, prompting a very public breakdown in relations.
Now it seems developments have reached a head with Hicks hoping to cash in on his investment, as reported in the Mirror. Hicks' relationship with Benitez reached almost total breakdown last week, when the Spaniard was ordered to "quit talking about new players" in the January transfer window.
Benitez expected to be sacked as the row intensified, although a fragile peace was forged ahead of Wednesday's vital Champions League win over Porto, which kept the Reds in the competition. Hundreds of fans marched on Anfield before the game to show their backing for Benitez.