Hicks and Gillett took over at Liverpool last March

"There is no question in my mind that I will still be an owner of Liverpool Football Club in five years," he told BBC 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

Liverpool have been the subject of speculation about a possible takeover by Dubai International Capital.

Hicks said that was never a "serious possibility" but the BBC understands he was in contact with DIC last Friday.

Interview: Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks

It is not clear what that conversation was about but Hicks said: "I can't think of a price where I would be interested in selling."

The Texan admitted speaking to DIC "a few months ago" about a "10% to 15% participation" in the club but DIC felt the price was too high.

"They would have been a minority investor and we would have used that capital to build a new stadium. We'll find other ways to capitalise the new stadium," he said.

606: DEBATE What did you think of what Hicks said?

Hicks, who along with fellow owner George Gillett took over the Reds in March 2007, confirmed a �350m refinancing package was put in place last week, with �105m of that as debt tied to the club.

Of that total, �45m will be used for future player transfers and to meet the club's working capital needs, while BBC sports editor Mihir Bose said �60m will provide the start-up money for the new ground.

There is no question in my mind that I will still be an owner of Liverpool Football Club in five years American Tom Hicks

"The refinancing will provide the capital for the next year-and-a-half to take the stadium move forward," added Hicks.

He repeated his backing for manager Rafa Benitez despite revealing earlier this month that he held talks with German Jurgen Klinsmann in November about taking over as manager in case the Spaniard left the club.

"We have a great manager who has our support," he said.

"After our meeting on 16 December he has shown his strong intent to do the right thing by the club.

"Rafa's got a contract for two more years and hopefully he'll stay for longer."