Reds debt worries expert

Finance expert Keith Harris has warned that Liverpool maybe be forced to sell stars like Fernando Torres because of the credit crunch.

The man who has brokered take-over deals for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and West Ham was speaking at an International Football Arena Conference in Zurich, when he aired his worries over Liverpool's debts.

Owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have to pay back the club's debt, said to be £350m, in January and refinancing could prove to be extremely difficult in the current climate. If no loan can be obtained the only other alternatives, according to Harris, are to seek new investors into the club or realise some of its prized assets, most notably the array of star players such as Torres and Steven Gerrard who would be sure to attract top dollar.

"The one that worries me is Liverpool," explained Harris.

"It has never been more difficult to find buyers.

"It's no longer a question of price negotiation - it's should we? People are wondering if now is the time to spend.

"Liverpool's debt is due in January, with maybe a six-month extension.

"The two banks which are the principal lenders - the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia - are two of those that have suffered. Whether they want to lend it again or not, they may not be able to."