Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and DLA Piper have bagged the lead roles on Dubai International Capital's (DIC's) high-profile bid for Liverpool Football Club.

DIC, the investment arm of the Dubai Government, confirmed this week (4 December) that it is in exclusive takeover talks with the Premiership club. The deal is likely to be worth around £450m.

Freshfields is fielding a team of lawyers from its London and Dubai arms, with co-head of private equity Chris Bown leading the City team and corporate partner Bruce Embley, who transferred to Dubai earlier this year, leading the Middle East team.