LIVERPOOL co-owner Tom Hicks last night insisted he has no intention of accepting an offer for his stake in the club.

Reports over the weekend had suggested Dubai International Capital - the investment arm of the Dubai Government - was preparing to launch a £500million bid to buy the club.

It was reported yesterday an offer was in the process of being made to American co-owners Hicks and George Gillett.

And a report from a Merseyside- based media agency went so far today as to suggest the club had indeed been sold to DIC.

However, Hicks last night released a statement in which he described the latest report as a complete fabrication and ... absolutely and categorically untrue''.

Hicks added: I have not received any offer to purchase the club from the DIC or anyone else, much less accepted any such offer. Nor do I have any intention of doing so.

Whoever is behind this false report, the facts are that I and my family have always been, and remain, fully committed to coowning the club; that no-one in my family has ever indicated any intention or desire to sell our stake in the club; and that we expect and intend to be co-owners of the club, and to actively and enthusiastically support the club's manager, players and fans for many years to come.'' Hicks' statement was released through financial and corporate communications consultancy FD.

Reports had claimed yesterday that DIC were set to make an offer for the complete buy-out of the American duo.

The Dubai-based group were close to their own takeover of the Anfield club 12 months ago before the Reds' then chairman David Moores decided to go with the USA investors.

On Thursday a spokesman for Hicks insisted neither of the owners was considering selling their share and both remained fully committed to the club.