The future ownership of Liverpool appears as uncertain as ever after the investment group Blackstone ruled out bankrolling the club’s current co-owner,
Tom Hicks.

Blackstone’s GSO Capital Partners had held talks with the Texan about providing the cash to allow him to pay off the £237million the club owes to the Royal Bank of Scotland – a figure likely to be significantly higher because of penalty fees – before the mid-October deadline, and retain control.

According to a Sunday newspaper, Hicks was close to agreeing a £280m two-year deal which would see him buy out his fellow co-owner George Gillett and remain in charge.

It is understood Blackstone opened talks with Hicks some weeks ago but has now decided against any deal.

The latest development means it is back to square one for Hicks, who is taking the active role in refinancing the debt the Americans took out to buy the club for £219m in 2007.