Peter Crouch might have saved Liverpool from a disastrous defeat by Aston Villa at Anfield last night but the club could be set for yet more turmoil after it emerged that a £350 million refinancing deal is on the verge of collapse.

Although the club's under-fire American owners insist negotiations with the Royal Bank of Scotland and investment bank Wachovia remain on course, City sources told The Daily Telegraph last night that the deal had hit a last-minute hitch.

The latest twist in the Liverpool saga could open the door for Dubai International Capital to launch a £350 million takeover bid for the club - a year after they were squeezed out by the Americans.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted last night that the off-field problems were affecting the players, saying: "We know what's going on, but as players you've got a job to do on the pitch and you try to put what's going on off the pitch to the back of your mind. But sometimes it's impossible, when it is every day."