Liverpool's complicated ownership issue has taken another twist with Singapore businessman Peter Lim lodging an increased offer for the club.
The billionaire, whose original bid was overlooked in favour of the £300 milion offer from New England Sports Ventures (NESV), has returned with an improved package.
Royal Bank of Scotland, the club's major creditors, are currently in the High Court arguing over the validity of who has the authority to sell the club and if they are successful then the NESV deal will go through.
But Lim hopes to trump that with a £320 million offer, with a further £40 million to be spent on players.
Lim claims his offer is entirely in cash from his personal wealth, paying off the £200 million acquisition debt, the club's existing debt and outstanding bank fees and providing much-needed funds for squad strengthening in January.
"I believe that if its massive debt burden can be removed, the club would be able to focus on improving its performance on the pitch," said Lim.
"My offer pays off the existing owners' bank acquisition debt and also frees the club of its own bank debt.
"If the board accepts this offer, the monies are available immediately thereby removing the threat of administration.
"The club needs to strengthen its existing squad. As part of this offer, I will be injecting £40 million in cash into the club for Roy Hodgson to bring in new players during the upcoming transfer window. Liverpool needs to start winning again."
That Lim has made an improved offer muddies the waters somewhat but it seems it will make little difference to the current court proceedings.
Lim's bid does not offer any more money to Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who are contesting the sale to NESV as they want a higher price because they stand to lose £144 million if it goes through.
And although it appears to be £60 million more than the offer accepted by chairman Martin Broughton, it includes only a pledge to spend £40 million on players and NESV have not stated what they would be prepared to give Roy Hodgson.
