Respected journalist drops major Liverpool takeover update with 'fading hopes' claim

Hopes of a full sale of Liverpool are "gradually fading" as owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) consider their options, a respected journalist has claimed.

FSG announced back in November that they would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interest of Liverpool, with a full sale of the Premier League a potential option under the right circumstances.

Ever since then rumours about who might invest have been swirling with the most likely candidate coming from Qatar.

However, a recent report from The Telegraph journalist Sam Wallace has confirmed that hopes of a full takeover are fading away.

Talking about the potential takeover of their rivals Manchester United, Wallace said: "At Liverpool, hopes of a full sale are gradually fading and the compromise might be the sale of part of the club that raises funds that can be reinvested.

"The relationship between Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool’s fanbase, if not in all quarters of it, is relatively becalmed, at least in comparison to United and the Glazers."

Journalist James Pearce has also recently backed up the claim that the sale of a minority stake is "increasingly likely."

Qatar still interested

Despite the setback, interest from Qatar remains with officials from the sovereign wealth fund still in talks with Liverpool over a potential deal.

It provides hope, but the fact that Liverpool fans aren't as discontent with their owners as much as rivals United means that potential investors may find the Manchester club easier to acquire.

The Daily Mail has confirmed the talks between Liverpool and the Qatar Investment Authority, saying that they are open to a full takeover of the Merseyside giants but will also walk away if a deal cannot be agreed.

New owners at Liverpool, particularly if they are from Qatar, would mean greater spending power and less of a need to stick to tight budgets as has been seen under the stewardship of FSG.

With the club currently struggling in the league and crying out for investment into the squad, especially the midfield area, it's easy to see why fans are open to a fresh start.