Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group reportedly do not intend to conduct a full sale of the club as they search for new investment.
The Reds have been under the control of John W Henry since 2010, but the American is now confirmed to be open to new investment opportunities.
After announcing their intentions back in November, it was unclear whether FSG would consider leaving Liverpool outright or if Henry would only be interested in selling a minority share.
Reds chairman Tom Werner confirmed last year that FSG would be open to exploring a full sale, but according to the Daily Mail, Henry is now against the idea.
The report states that investment firm Red Bird Capital - who own an 11% stake in FSG - could try to increase their share in the company to keep FSG in charge at Anfield.
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Red Bird Capital paid £533m for their current stake in FSG in 2021, and by moving to increase that percentage, FSG could supposedly be in line for a £1bn payday.
Such a move would allow FSG to retain ownership of the Merseyside giants, and the consensus is that Henry is no longer leaning towards a full sale of Liverpool.
A source told the publication: "There is a growing feeling that FSG are not interested in selling Liverpool, and are increasingly drawn to the idea of selling another minority stakeholding. A further 20% sale of FSG could generate £1billion."
Furthermore, FSG are also said to be keeping a close eye on the ownership situation at Manchester United, who have also been put up for sale by the Glazer Family.
The Glazers have supposedly put a £7bn asking price on the club, and a sale going through at that price could see Liverpool's market value shoot up "significantly".
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Liverpool have also received plentiful interest from the Middle East in the past couple of months, and the Qatar Investment Authority are understood to have held discussions with FSG.
However, while the QIA would be looking to assume full control of Liverpool, the Reds' current owners are only prepared to sell a minority stake.
Since completing their £300m takeover in 2010, FSG have overseen a sustained period of success since Jurgen Klopp's arrival, as the Reds ended their wait for a maiden Premier League title in 2020.
Klopp has also guided Liverpool to Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield titles, but Liverpool sit 10th in the Premier League table this season amid a stark downturn in fortunes.
FSG have also been criticised by fans for a perceived lack of financial support in the transfer market, as well as their involvement in the doomed European Super League in 2021.
Ben Knapton
