American tycoon George Gillet has joined the race to buy Liverpool, according to reports.

Gillett, a billionaire who owns the Montreal Canadians ice hockey club, is preparing to offer £5,000 per share according to the Daily Mirror, which would value the club at £172 million.

Gillett had an initial bid for the club rejected by chairman David Moores, who subsequently accepted a bid from Dubai International Capital.

However, that deal is taking longer than expected to complete according to the Liverpool Echo, and Gillett is looking to exploit the delay.

Gillett's bid values Liverpool at £16 million more than the Dubai bid, and the club's board could be tempted into taking the increased offer while DIC drag their feet.

Gillett made his money from the meat distribution industry, and a succession of other sports clubs.

He held a significant stake in the Miami Dolphins in the late sixties, before purchasing the then bankrupt Harlem Globetrotters.