Liverpool's owners have hired financial advisors to help assist them with an approach made by a consortium led by Chinese state-funded group Everbright and PCP Capital Partners, according to the Financial Times.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who purchased the Merseyside Premier League club in October 2010, have reportedly appointed investment bank Allen & Co to assist them in discussions over a possible sale of a "substantial stake" in the club.
However, a Liverpool source informed ESPN FC that FSG and Allen & Co have "a long-term relationship," with the latter providing advice on business and financial issues.
The Financial Times reports that the consortium are interested in purchasing a large stake of Liverpool -- although the details on the size and money involved remain unclear -- and that FSG are taking the approach seriously. The investment is reported to be from the China Investment Corporation (CIC), which has assets in excess of £600 billion.
Liverpool's chief executive, Ian Ayre, told the Times: "We have no comment. There is no bid and we have no ongoing investment discussion of any kind with anyone."
The news comes just after Reds chairman, Tom Werner, insisted that the club was not for sale, but did say that FSG would be open to idea of selling a small share in the club.
"We've said it before and I'd like to say it again: this club is not for sale," Werner reiterated to the Liverpool Echo. "At the same time we've been clear that we actively pursue commercial opportunities which in turn helps us invest in the squad and win football matches.
"These commercial discussions can be complex and we've said in the past, under the right conditions and absolutely with the right partner, we could look at some small investment stake in the club.
"But only in the framework of doing what would be in the club's long-term best interests. I want to reiterate that the club is not for sale."
Sources told ESPN FC in June that FSG had ignored a February takeover bid in the region of £700 million from Chinese consortium The Sinofortone Group.