George Gillett and Tom Hicks have secured unconditional control of Liverpool after meeting the acceptance condition.

A statement to the Stock Exchange this morning confirmed the American pair yesterday "received valid acceptances in respect of 28,089 Liverpool shares, representing approximately 80.7 per cent of Liverpool's issued share capital to which the offer relates".

Shareholders had been given until Monday to respond to the offer of £5,000 per share from Gillett and Hicks' Kop Football bid vehicle and a positive response has seen the pair comfortably reach the 75 per cent required.

Kop Football Ltd are also extending their offer to remaining shareholders until 3pm on March 26th.

The £470 million takeover means work is expected to start on the new 60,000-seater Stanley Park imminently, with the pair holding meetings this week after witnessing the Reds' Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Liverpool knocked out the holders on away goals after drawing 2-2 on aggregate.

The two sports tycoons, who both own NHL ice hockey franchises, spoke of their joy and amazement after watching their first European game at Anfield.