Liverpool co-owner denies interest in AS Roma

By Mark Meadows

MILAN (Reuters) - Liverpool FC co-owner Tom Hicks has denied any interest in AS Roma after media reports said the U.S. sports tycoon was looking to build a stake in the Italian soccer club.

A spokeswoman for Liverpool said Hicks had told the English club that there was no truth in the rumour and he was not considering investing in Roma.

Roma's share price rose almost 10 percent at one point on Monday, forcing controlling shareholder Italpetroli to issue a statement saying it had been informed by a third party of possible interest from an unnamed U.S. investor.

Italpetroli, linked to the Sensi family, said it had not been contacted directly or indirectly by the potential investor.

Italian media said the HMTF fund, run by Hicks, was the interested party.

However, a spokesman for Hicks was quoted in Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper as saying the American businessman is not involved but that three or four other parties may be interested.

Rules on European soccer club ownership are strict and governing body UEFA prevents an individual holding a majority stake in more than one team in the same competition. Liverpool and Roma are both in the Champions League this season.

Hicks, who owns the Dallas Stars ice hockey team and the Texas Rangers baseball franchise, agreed to buy Liverpool for $340 million in February along with compatriot George Gillett.

Roma's share price, formerly stagnant, shot up in the middle of September and has gained 50 percent since the beginning of that month. The club said in September it knew of no reason for the rally other than strong financial results and good performances on the pitch.

The shares were flat at 1030 GMT. The club are fourth in Italy's top Serie A division.