Hicks/Gillett to pursue damages

Liverpool's board hope to go ahead with the sale of the club to New England Sports Ventures (NESV) but in a statement Tom Hicks and George Gillett called the proposed deal "illegal" and "an extraordinary swindle."

GEAR:Save 10% on Liverpool home, away and third kits here, courtesy of Kitbag

The statement also said the pair had offered to pay outstanding debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland but that attempt was rejected.

"It's an extraordinary swindle and it will result in exactly the wrong thing for the Club and the fans," said the statement.

"This outcome not only devalues the Club but it also will result in long-term uncertainty for the fans, players and everyone who loves this sport because all legal recourses will be pursued," said Steve Stodghill, the Texas attorney representing the Liverpool owners.

The restraining order imposed by a Dallas court was withdrawn on Friday - meeting the requirements of a High Court ruling on Thursday.

Liverpool still has a deadline on Friday to clear debts with the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The statement said that the American co-owners had offered to do that.

"Mr. Hicks and Mr. Gillett pledged to pay the debt to RBS so that the Club could avoid administration that was threatened by RBS. That offer was rejected.

"It is a tragic development that others will claim as a victory. This means it won't be resolved the way it should be resolved. My clients worked tirelessly to resolve these issues but RBS would not listen to any reasonable solution and the Directors acted selfishly and illegally."

A spokesman for the Royal Bank of Scotland was not immediately available for comment.

NEWS:Premier League reject Mill Financial approach over Liverpool
NEWS:Bitter Liverpool battle returns to Texas court
NEWS:Liverpool sale clears latest hurdle
NEWS:Liverpool battle returns to High CourtNEWS:Lim withdraws offers to buy Liverpool
NEWS:Hicks and Gillett obtain restraining order
NEWS:John Henry flies in for board meeting