Liverpool owner Gillette positioning for move?

I'll warn anyone who read this post that it's pure speculation, but the sheer possibility demands some sort of comment.

According to Canadian media reports, the Montreal Canadiens NHL hockey franchise, owned by Liverpool co-owner George Gillette, are the subject of a sale speculation. Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsille, who has sought to acquire an NHL franchise, was reported to have told the La Presse newspaper in Montreal that the Canadiens are for sale. Both Balsille and Gillette have since subsequently rejected the notion, but the mere report of a sale raises some questions.

Perhaps Balsillie isn't going to buy the team, but does this mean the Canadiens are not for sale? The team is performing very well this season, but perhaps the value of the franchise will never be higher. Also to consider, is that the NHL is largely a North American property, with marginal interest outside Canada and the U.S.

Liverpool on the other hand, is in many respects a global property. Is it possible that Mr. Gillette is considering selling the Canadiens for a considerable profit, only to ensure that the proposed new Anfield moves ahead and prior loans are secured, thereby safeguarding a larger, potentially more lucrative investment? In the face of the Liverpool ownership's refusal to deal with Middle East oil interests, this may represent the next move in the ongoing ownership saga.

As I said at the outset, this is my own speculation, but considering what Premier League observers have already seen this season (Manchester City, for example), such a move wouldn't be out of the ordinary.

Stay tuned ...