The Guardian says though his son, Tom Jr, was forced to beat a hasty retreat from a public house near Anfield on Saturday, Hicks is not prepared to follow suit with regard to pressure to sell his entire 50% holding to Dubai International Capital. DIC remains confident of a deal to purchase Liverpool, although that optimism is based on progress made in negotiations for the 50% owned by George Gillett.

However, Hicks has no intention of selling his stake and instead has attempted to increase his family's influence on club affairs in recent weeks.

Tom Jr's appearance on Merseyside was part of a concerted PR campaign to appease fans infuriated at the debt on the club and by the admission of an approach to Jurgen Klinsmann about the manager Rafael Benitez's job.

Benitez, ironically, would welcome Tom Jr's relocation to Merseyside. He would also fill the void vacated by Gillett's son, Foster, who was the original conduit between the owners and manager but has not been seen at his office inside the club's Melwood training ground for several weeks and is not expected to return.