Investment raid on soccer gathers pace

China's investment assault on European football has gathered further momentum as a Chinese takeover of Premier League club Hull City appears imminent and multiple investors have lodged inquiries over taking a stake in Liverpool FC.

Following reports of an Everbright approach to Liverpool that values the club at ￡800 million ($1 billion), news agency Reuters on Monday revealed that Chinese conglomerates Dalian Wanda and Fosun have both lodged "letters of interest" with the current ownership, US-owned Fenway Sports Group.

A senior Liverpool official contacted by China Daily reiterated FSG's denial over any bid for the club, which it said was not for sale.