However Dubai International Capital are still regarded as the overwhelming favourites to succeed in its 450-million-pound takeover bid for the Anfield giants.

The announcement was made to the London Stock Exchange to comply with the Takeover Code and in response to growing speculation in the last week.

The statement to shareholders read: "Following the recent press speculation, and to comply with our obligations under the Takeover Code, Liverpool Football Club today confirms that it has received an approach from George Gillett which may or may not lead to an offer.

"Shareholders will be kept informed as appropriate."

Earlier this week, sources at the club insisted the takeover by DIC could be confirmed "within weeks" despite reports of Gillett's interest and that a successful deal with DIC would mean that work on the club's new stadium in nearby Stanley Park could start in March, with a two-year completion date.

Gillett, the owner of Montreal Canadiens ice hockey club who has already had a bid to buy the club rejected, has recently written to the Liverpool chairman offering an increased deal.

It is expected that within a couple of weeks DIC will be in a position to announce through the Stock Exchange that they have had a bid accepted for chairman David Moores' 51-percent holding.

That would trigger the sale of the rest of the club's shares to DIC and the agreement to start work on the 60,000-seat new stadium.

The return of Gillett to the scene in the past few days has been an irritant to the current Liverpool hierarchy, who have been involved in detailed discussions with DIC over ownership of the club as well as the Stanley Park project.