The bank, which is the main sponsor of the Premier League, is to assess the options for the club through its Barclays Capital arm.

It is thought the move would calm fears about Liverpool amid ongoing disagreements between the team's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, over strategy and financing.

Liverpool, which has been the subject of refinancing speculation recently, will also install Martin Broughton of British Airways as chairman as part of the move.

It is understood lender Royal Bank of Scotland will continue to be involved with the club, despite reports that Barclays would move to replace existing banks RBS and US firm Wachovia.

Barclays and a spokesman for Liverpool's owners declined to comment today.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could shed little light on the matter when asked after today's Barclays Premier League match against Fulham.

"I don't have too much information at the moment," he said.

"I will not talk too much about this."

Benitez spoke openly earlier in the week about the need for the club to bring in additional finance to allow him to reshape the squad.

When asked if this development could be the start of a process that would bring in extra funding, Benitez said: "It could be but I do not have too much information."