Liverpool are pressing ahead with plans to sell the club to Dubai International Capital in a £450 million deal, despite the surprise emergence of a counter bid from American tycoon George Gillett Jr.

Gillett, the billionaire owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team, was thought to be out of the running as DIC, the investment arm of the Dubai ruling family, closed in on their takeover.

DIC have indicated they are prepared to pay the Gillett share premium. The rest of their offer is made up of £80 million of debt and more than £200 million for developing a new stadium. They are close to completing due diligence and are likely to make a formal offer for the club next week.

Liverpool are determined to finalise the agreement Moores has reached with DIC. One key factor is believed to be the amount of work they have done for the new stadium close to Anfield.

It is thought Gillett would like to reopen talks with Everton about a possible ground share if his counter bid was successful.