Liverpool are reportedly in discussions with a US-based buyer over a £2.7bn takeover of the club from Fenway Sports Group.

Principal owner John W Henry has been at the helm at Anfield for 12 years since his £300m purchase in 2010, but he is now reportedly looking to sell the club.

A statement from FSG last week confirmed that the American firm are on the lookout for new investors, saying: "There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group's ownership in Liverpool.

"FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

"FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch."

Now, the Daily Mail reports that an unnamed US-based buyer is in talks to take over the club from Henry, who could be willing to do business at around the £2.7bn mark.

The report claims that an approach was made to the powers-that-be at Anfield several weeks ago, and FSG have been in discussions with the anonymous prospective buyer since.

However, the US-based buyer is not thought to be the only one interested in a full takeover of the club from Henry, who was initially thought to be after £4bn to consider a sale.

Nevertheless, the 73-year-old would increase his profit ninefold should he allow Liverpool to be sold for £2.7bn, and the Reds used Chelsea's recent sale as a model to follow.

Roman Abramovich ceded control of the West London club to Todd Boehly's consortium for £2.5bn, and Liverpool's owners are looking for £2.7bn after taking Chelsea's revenues into account.

Chelsea posted revenues of £500m last year before selling at five times that price, but Liverpool - who are expected to post £600m figures - are not optimistic of a £3bn sale.

However, a late auction could drive the price up if multiple parties express an interest in buying Liverpool, but Henry will not sell to a potential owner deemed to be unethical.

Several notable names have already been linked with the Liverpool ownership, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already ruled out the possibility of a takeover.

Meanwhile, the Ricketts family are not expected to make an approach for the Merseyside giants either, while Steve Ballmer and Stephen Pagliuca - owners of the LA Clippers and Boston Celtics respectively - have also been named as possible buyers.

It has also been claimed that Dubai International Capital could throw their hat into the ring after trying but failing to buy the club for £312m back in 2007. body check tags ::