Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have been aware of Kenny Huang's planned takeover for at least two weeks. The Sun says Huang secretly sent envoys to see Kop stars Gerrard and Torres a fortnight ago.
The Chinese businessman views the pair as Anfield's crown jewels and essential to the club's future success.
But he feared they would quit the club before he could gain control.
So while he was planning his buy-out of the 18-time league champions, he sent aides to meet with skipper Gerrard and Spanish hitman Torres plus their representatives.
A source close to one of the players revealed: "Gerrard and Torres were both informed that moves were underway to take control of Liverpool.
"They were told that when this happened there would immediately be money available to invest in new players and a new stadium.
"So the two players were asked to delay any decision on their futures for a few weeks while the takeover bid was made. And it's so far, so good with both of them."
