BY Bill Wilson BBC News Online business reporter

If the cap fits: Mr Jefferies says he is a keen Liverpool fan

Hollywood film executive Mike Jefferies could become the fourth suitor to bid for Liverpool this year. BBC Business News Online looks at the latest courting of one of the world's most famous football clubs and global brands.

What does this latest bid involve?

According to reports, Los Angeles-based - but Merseyside-born - Hollywood film executive Mike Jefferies says he is ready to put together a new consortium to buy the club.

He says he has been talking to the Anfield club for six weeks.

What is known about Mr Jefferies?

He is chairman of Milkshake Films, the company making Goal! - a movie about a South American footballer who comes to the English Premiership.

It is being filmed on Tyneside and due for release in 11 months.

Mr Jefferies says he conceived the film idea at the 2002 World Cup in Japan, and wrote up the story on his return.

How did he make his money?

Before founding Milkshake in 2001, he "excelled as an entrepreneur and business executive in the media and entertainment businesses".

He founded European-based Mondiale Corporation Group in 1990, which he sold to Daily Mail Group in 1999, after winning the Queen's Award for Export.

He subsequently moved to the US.

What did he get up to over there?

Liverpool and its Anfield fan base are known around the world

Before moving into film production he was a player in the new media boom at the turn of the millennium, specialising in business-to-business e-commerce from his US base.

He founded successful B2B group Line56, which he also sold, via a management buy-out in early 2001.

Before that he owned a website, print magazine, and conference business.

At the time he was referred to in Los Angeles as a "serial UK entrepreneur".

Is he making the bid by himself?

No, Mr Jefferies has teamed up with Stuart Ford, an entertainment lawyer who is also based in the USA.

How much does he plan to pump into the club?

According to a report in The Financial Times, he plans to pump in �100m.

The duo are said to be keen to buy out the Moores family, who own 51.6% of the club, but they are reported to be keen to retain the involvement of chairman David Moores.

Have we not been here before?

Three times already this year. Liverpool seems to be a plum prize for those looking to invest in English soccer, but so far no deals have been finalised.

Two offers from Thailand for Liverpool have come to nothing

First up was Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was forced to back out after fierce criticism of his plan to use public money.

Then came Steve Morgan, another Reds supporter and a building tycoon who has made numerous offers to inject new capital into the club - all of which have met with rejection by chairman David Moores.

And then there was Thai media mogul Paiboon Damrongchaitham's, whose bid was also turned down.

Why are Liverpool inviting so many approaches?

Like every English club, with the possible exception of Chelsea and Manchester United, they need a large injection of cash.

Traditional methods of raising money are becoming less available to clubs, as the sector is out of favour on the stock market, and financial institutions are becoming less keen on lending them cash.

Any other reasons why it needs a deal?

The club is also hoping to move from its spiritual home at Anfield to a new stadium in Stanley Park, and the cost of that is estimated in excess of �80m.

There is also a feeling that Liverpool has fallen behind arch-rival Manchester United on the merchandising front. A US deal may well raise its profile in that country.

What has the club got going for it?

It is a traditional brand name that has fallen on less-successful times in the past decade - a kind of football Marks & Spencer, but is a name which still attracts great affection and loyalty around the world.

And under new manager Rafael Benitez the four-times European Cup winners will be hoping the glory days will return on the playing field.