Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks was in Dubai last week.
The Times says Hicks was in Dubai last week, fuelling speculation that Dubai International Capital (DIC), the private equity investment arm of the Arab state, is on the verge of buying the club.
Informal talks between DIC and the Americans have been going on for several weeks, but while Hicks's intentions are unclear, George Gillett is thought to be ready to sell his 50 per cent stake in the club.