Morgan puts pressure on Houllier

Earlier, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra insisted he would not increase his £63m offer in response to Morgan's move, which first emerged yesterday.

"Somebody may want to bid higher and expect us to raise the ante. We will not do that. If we can get it, good. If not, never mind. We have to consider what is a suitable price and we will not offer a higher bid. It depends on whether Liverpool want to be our partner or not. We still have a fifty-fifty chance."

Thaksin's refusal could leave the field clear for Morgan, who had a £50m bid for the club turned down two months ago.

Morgan has played heavily on his local links, arguing that club's interests were best served by tapping the true fans.

He said: "I believe the future of Liverpool Football Club is best served by those who love the club the most, its supporters - and I am very proud to be one of them.

"This bid will keep ownership of the club where is rightly belongs. All I ask is to treat the offer with the honesty and integrity in which it is made and think first and foremost of the good of Liverpool because that is what I am doing.

"I want them to make the right decision. If the right decision is to take the Thai offer then I accept that. I don't personally believe it is. I am not saying I am confident but I am hopeful."

Morgan said he has "written a cheque and it is ready to be cashed". The funds, he added, would be used to "substantially strengthen" the squad and " partially fund the proposed new stadium. However, the building tycoon's offer carries a condition that he gets a seat on the board.

Morgan, who has been a critic of Houllier's management, made another veiled reference to his reign today.

He said: "We have had some success in the last six years but any supporter would be disappointed at finishing fifth last year and perhaps fourth this year. The priority is the playing side and we have to strengthen the squad and fight for the Premiership.

"A lot of money has been spent over the last few years. Anyone can make mistakes but we have made a hell of a lot of mistakes."

The Thai Prime Minister and Morgan's comments came ahead of a board meeting at the club later today at which directors will weigh up the contending offers.

Moores and his chief executive Rick Parry have promised to consider any relevant offers and now they are likely to ask for time from Thaksin to talk to Morgan.

The club has appointed independent advisors Hawkpoint to consider all offers and Morgan's move has placed them in a difficult position.