Nike now look certain to supply Liverpool's next kit as New Balance have had their appeal rejected.

Liverpool and New Balance contested a three-day trial in the High Court over the future of the club's kit supply.

The judge found in favour of the Reds, paving the way for a new five-year contract with Nike.

It initially looked unlikely that New Balance would appeal - but the company filed papers in a final bid to lock Liverpool into a kit deal.

Their only route to having the judgment overturned was to write directly to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal.

They did that at the end of last week, but today confirmation appeared on the Ministry of Justice website that the case had been 'refused'.

Liverpool had been keen to end their seven-year partnership with the Boston-based firm and go with Nike, after concluding the mega-brand could "super-charge" distribution of licensed products .

New Balance, rather than walk away when the existing deal ends in May, had filed a claim to the High Court insisting it had activated a matching clause in the existing contract - meaning Liverpool had to renew their partnership.

But the club convinced judge Mr Justice Nigel Teare that Nike's offer of using "athletes and influences of the calibre of LeBron James, Serena Williams and Drake" had not been matched .

And now their appeal bid has been dismissed, which effectively draws a line under the case.

And it means Liverpool are free to complete their contract with Nike from next season onwards.