Tom Hicks and his Canadian padnuh in Liverpool FC are, at long last, close to finalizing their refinancing of the storied franchise -- much to the chagrin of Liverpool fans, who want the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars owner out, out, out of the U.K. ASAP. Only, to get the money, Hicks and George Gillett are going to have to pony up some extra dough of their own, since the banks don't trust the twosome.

Reports The Daily Telegraph today, the two men "have been asked to provide an extra £50 million in personal guarantees to secure a £350 million refinancing deal with banks." Expectations are their new deal will be in place possibly as early as tomorrow, which doesn't mean a Dubai International Capital takeover ain't gonna happen some time in the future. Just, not now. Too bad too, as the Liverpool Daily Post published a survey today that says 90 percent of Liverpool FC fans want the Yanks to git their arses out of England. --Robert Wilonsky

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