The Saudi prince keen to buy shares in Liverpool has confirmed talks are close to a conclusion.

Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah revealed that following extensive meetings with Liverpool co-owner George Gillett, his F6 investment company could reach an agreement for the purchase soon.

"Our negotiations to buy shares in Liverpool are ongoing, meetings are taking place and we might be in the final stages in the coming days," Prince Faisal said.

Prince Faisal's initial negotiations with Gillett were said to be merely over establishing a Liverpool academy in the Middle East, but it appears those talks have progressed to include investment in the club.

Gillett has been in Riyadh in the last week to discuss Prince Faisal's investment, and it has been reported that he wants to sell his entire 50% holding in Liverpool.

This could be complicated by a rumoured agreement between Gillett and partner Tom Hicks, by which one partner has first refusal on the other's shares, and must grant permission if they are sold to a third party.