Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly closing in on a deal to become a minority co-owner of Liverpool, with a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia advancing negotiations with Fenway Sports Group (FSG). The group is understood to be targeting roughly one-third of the Premier League club, with Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin also involved.

 An announcement could reportedly come as soon as this week, although sources cautioned that the timeline could slip into next week. Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and former shareholder of Queens Park Rangers, heads the syndicate. The proposed transaction would reportedly value Liverpool at around $6 billion (ÂŁ4.4bn), potentially making it one of football's richest investment deals. 

FSG confirmed last month that, “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.” The ownership group has declined to comment on the latest developments. One insider indicated that the stake could be slightly larger than previously thought, potentially exceeding 30%. If completed, the investment would mark Bezos' major entry into football ownership and add significant financial power around Anfield. FSG bought Liverpool for just ÂŁ300 million in 2010. 

Meet billionaires and investors reportedly behind Liverpool’s potential new deal

The group looking to acquire a significant minority stake in Liverpool is a consortium of wealthy businessmen rather than a single buyer. At its centre is Amit Bhatia, a British-Indian entrepreneur and investor who is leading the consortium. Bhatia has an investment-banking background and runs AyBe Capital, an investment firm with interests across technology, media, property, retail and healthcare. He was also a former co-owner of Queens Park Rangers and is married to Vanisha Mittal, daughter of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. 

The biggest name involved is Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder. Bezos, one of the world's wealthiest people, has reportedly joined the group after holding discussions with Bhatia. His business empire includes Amazon, aerospace company Blue Origin and the Washington Post. Another major name is Eduardo Saverin, one of Facebook's co-founders. Recent reports say he is part of the syndicate alongside Bhatia and Bezos. Saverin later became a prominent technology investor and entrepreneur. The consortium is reportedly negotiating with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for around one-third of Liverpool. Importantly, this would be a minority investment, meaning FSG would remain in control rather than Liverpool being completely sold.