(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-14 11:01

MILAN - Soccer club Liverpool FC's co-owner Tom Hicks has denied any interest in AS Roma after media reports said the US sports tycoon was looking to build a stake in the Italian soccer club.

Italian media had reported on Monday that the HMTF fund was interested in Roma and was headed by Hicks.

But a spokesman for the Texan said Hicks had not been associated with HMTF, now known as HM Capital, for nearly three years and was not looking at the Italian team.

A Liverpool spokeswoman also said Hicks had reassured the English club there was no truth in the rumour.

AS Roma shares were down 6 percent at 0.84 euros in Milan at 1350 GMT.

On Monday, they briefly rose by nearly 10 percent, forcing controlling shareholder Italpetroli to issue a statement saying it had been informed by a third party of possible interest from an unnamed US investor.

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

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 club are fourth in Italy's top Serie A division.