FOOTBALL DIGEST

■ LIVERPOOL have held discussions with two Middle East-based consortiums over a £3billion takeover.

Sportsmail has learned that representatives of consortiums from Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed an interest in buying the club. Several sources report that consortium officials have approached Fenway Sports Group director Mike Gordon – the man responsible for the sale of Liverpool – to register their interest. It is understood both groups are private companies rather than state-owned.

However both consortiums are thought to have close links with their country’s ruling families.

Saudi Arabia’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal this week encouraged takeover bids for both Liverpool and Manchester United. Liverpool are also in discussions with a US-based buyer, while Britain’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe and techgiants Apple have been linked with United bids.

■ QPR boss Michael Beale is closing in on a return to Ibrox as manager of Rangers. Beale was granted permission to talk to the Scottish club after they made their approach official on Friday.

The 42-year-old, who spent three years at Ibrox as an intrinsic part of Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff, is keen to take on the challenge.