 |  We're just two die-hard Liverpool fans who are sick of the last 15 years of mediocrity |
Movie mogul Mike Jefferies says his plan to buy into Liverpool is "no publicity stunt" and insists he will give Rafael Benitez money to spend. "We have got one of the best managers in the world," Jefferies told the Daily Mirror newspaper.
"But he needs some quivers on his back to get this club back where it belongs.
"These are early days but we have had conversations with Liverpool. We would like to help the club become the most successful in the world once more."
Jefferies, who is based in America, added: "We've spoken to Rick Parry and Keith Clayton at length and there is no question of this being a publicity stunt."
"In Los Angeles you see Manchester United shirts but no-one has heard of Liverpool. Whoever is responsible for that wants shooting."
Jefferies, who is shooting a football film, is considering a bid of �100m with lawyer Stuart Ford for the club.
Jefferies is chairman of Milkshake Films, the company making 'Goal!' - a movie about a South American footballer who comes to the English Premiership.
The film is being shot partly on location at Newcastle's St James' Park and is due to be released in August 2005.
Rival bidder Steve Morgan, who has a �70m offer on the table, had questioned their motivation.
A spokesman for building tycoon Morgan, the third largest shareholder in the Anfield club, said: "It seems rather a lot of money and from people nobody has heard of before.
"It's interesting that the speculation comes when a film is being made on football by them."
Jefferies said: "I find those comments a bit disappointing for three reasons.
"Firstly the film is not out for another year, Stuart is in no way connected to Milkshake Films or the project and if we put our hands up and could be seen not to deliver we would look like idiots.
"We have got an entity we believe will bring smart money to the table to help the club off the field, particularly commercially."
The new offer for Liverpool is the fourth from a potential suitor this year.
The club has been targeted by a Thai media mogul, the Thai Prime Minister, Morgan and now Jefferies.
Complications with Morgan's bid caused it to fall through in August, while Jefferies said he and Ford, also based in the US, have been talking to the club for the last six weeks.
"We would like to be able to contribute to helping Liverpool become the most successful club in the world again," Jefferies told The Financial Times, which reports the bid is worth �100m.
Jefferies told BBC Radio Five Live he has not put a time frame on any potential bid but says that if Liverpool want to capitalise on the transfer market in January then they have to act now.
The duo are said to be keen to buyout 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. 
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
