LIVERPOOL co-owner Tom Hicks has insisted he is not planning to sell his stake in the club.

The Texan billionaire claims he is completely committed to Liverpool and has rejected reports that he has invited Dubai International Capital (DIC) to inspect the club's accounts in preparation for a takeover.

Hicks said in a statement: 'Reports that I am about to sell my stake in the Liverpool Football Club, or to invite DIC to examine the club's books in preparation for such a sale - like other such reports planted in the UK press in recent weeks by parties with their own self-interested agenda - are absolutely and categorically false.

'The reality is that I am personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters and that I will continue to honour that commitment to the best of my ability now and in the future.'

Hicks and co-owner George Gillett have failed to shake off the belief that they are considering selling the club despite completing a £350 million ($970m) refinancing package last month.

It is understood Hicks has been in talks with DIC since the refinancing package was announced on 25 Jan.

The Americans reportedly now value the club at about £400m, which would cover their £350m debt.

However, The Times claims that DIC would be reluctant to meet that valuation if Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League next season.

They currently sit in fifth place, three points behind city rivals Everton but with one game in hand.

Hicks will also be aware that he is unpopular on Merseyside.

His son, Thomas Jr, who stands an imposing 1.90 metres, was forced to leave the Sandon pub near Anfield by a number of angry supporters after attending Saturday's Premier League win over Middlesbrough, reported The Daily Mail.

But Tom Jr has come out to say that the fans who spat and threw lager over him will not drive him out of the club.

Tom Jr, who was made a director along with Foster, son of Gillett, made a surprise visit to the pub, which served as the meeting place for the formation of the club in 1892.

He was with friends and security personnel and, at first, there were no problems as he responded to questions from fans.

But the atmosphere became unpleasant as a crowd formed. He had lager thrown at him and one fan spat at him before he was driven away.

He said: 'I've wanted to go for quite some time to see the birthplace of the club.

'I also wanted the opportunity to have a direct talk with some of the supporters.

RESPECT

'I respect that some patrons have major disagreements with us but that comes with the territory.

'I did have several constructive conversations in my short visit and look forward to following up with them the next time I am in Liverpool.'

He made no complaint to the Merseyside Police over the incident and the matter is unlikely to be pursued.

Some fans want Hicks and Gillett to sell up, claiming they have not kept the promises made at the time of their takeover 12 months ago, and have also treated Benitez unfairly.

PA Sport