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Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have dismissed speculation that they are set to sell part of the club to China.

Reports suggested that financial services conglomerate China Everbright was working with private equity firm PCP Capital Partners to acquire a substantial shareholding in a deal which valued the club at around £800million.

However, senior FSG executives are adamant that they have received no bids and that there are no ongoing discussions about selling a stake in Liverpool.

Chairman Tom Werner told the ECHO this week that Liverpool was “not for sale” and FSG insist that remains the case.

FSG were said to have hired Allen & Co, the boutique investment bank, to provide advice during negotiations with China Everbright.

However, the ECHO understands that FSG have a long term relationship with Allen & Co, who continue to advise them on a wide range of business and financial issues.

FSG, who bought the club for £300million six years ago, have always been open to the idea of selling a minority stake in Liverpool if the right offer came along. That remains the case but they are not actively looking for investment.

The owners insist the only discussions they have had recently about potential investment centre around possible sponsorship deals. Liverpool are currently looking for a naming rights partner for Anfield's new Main Stand.

It remains to be seen whether China Everbright firm up their interest with a formal offer. A private limited company called Everbright Development Liverpool Ltd was registered at Companies House in Cardiff on April 1 this year.

It’s office address is in Penny Lane, Liverpool. Gar Wo Chu and Lei Ma are listed as the two company directors.