The news came in yesterday that the Oil Sheikh Prince Faisal had decided to pull out of discussions with George Gillet over becoming a part-owner of Liverpool, but today there is a new possible investor from the United Arab Emirates.

It is being reported in todays Mirror that members of the UAE ruling family, Ras al-Khaimah, have asked for George Gilliet and Tom Hicks to fly out to the oil-rich country to discuss terms of a possible buy-out at the club.

Rafael Benitez admitted last week admitted that the clubs development was being hampered by the need to reduce the massive debts incurred by Hicks and Gillet when they bought into the club, and a massive investment is needed to bring them down to serviceable levels. The borrowings currently amount to £313m.

A spokesman for the Ras al-Khaimahs said representatives from Liverpool “may be coming next week”.

Liverpool are refusing to comment on the speculation.