DIC & Mascherano

The takeover of Liverpool remains on course but is not expected to be completed until the end of the month or even early February.

The inspection of the club's accounts by the potential new owners Dubai International Capital (DIC) is continuing but Liverpool's directors have put off any idea of holding a board meeting until closer to the actual handover.

The due diligence process is now expected to be completed around the end of the month - meaning that the budget for any new signings for Rafael Benitez's side during the transfer window will have to be independent of any DIC cash.

Liverpool bosses decided against holding a board meeting on Tuesday and will wait until DIC have virtually completed the due diligence process before the directors get together to discuss the £450million takeover again.

Drogballs: So that virtually means we have not much money to spend this winter transfer window. Might be a bad news but of course nice to hear the takeover is still on course. I'll bring you the latest update.


FIFA PONDERING REDS' MASCHER APPEAL

FIFA's legal department are considering an appeal from Liverpool to overturn a ruling preventing Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano moving to Anfield from West Ham.

FIFA's rules state that players cannot appear from three clubs in any one year between July 1 and June 30 and Mascherano has already played for Corinthians and West Ham - but Liverpool have pointed out he has only played for the Hammers for six minutes since October.

FIFA are reconsidering the case but it will be a surprise if they overturn their own ruling.

Drogballs: Again, it's those useless rules and red tapes set by FIFA that makes it such a pain in the arse. Whatever it is, I hope we will get the benefit of doubt and sign him. If only they've set rules on players diving and cheating rather than how many clubs a player play a season.