Liverpool in takeover talks with US family

The Anfield chief executive, Rick Parry, arrived back on Merseyside yesterday having held talks with members of the Kraft family about a possible investment in the club.

The Kraft family - which has extended its business interests into American football, just like Manchester United's owners the Glazers - has previously been linked with the Anfield club but it was only on Monday night that talks between the two parties began. Parry was a guest of the family at the New England Patriots versus Indianapolis Colts game on Monday and then held talks on a possible deal.

The Liverpool chairman, David Moores, is not prepared to relinquish his 51 per cent stakeholding in Liverpool - former Redrow Homes owner Steve Morgan had three attempted share rights issues rejected. But, with problems over how to fund a proposed £150m stadium at Stanley Park and the failure to build on May's Champions' League triumph, Moores is under pressure to bring wealthy partners into the boardroom.

No formal offer has yet been made by the Kraft family but Liverpool officials are confident one will be forthcoming after Parry's successful visit.