Liverpool’s new kit deal with Nike will only guarantee £30 million per year.
The American sportswear giant is closing in on an agreement with the European champions to provide their strips from the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
But the move is facing a legal challenge from the Reds’ current kit makers New Balance, who have a first refusal on the chance to match their rivals’ offer.
Nike’s proposal had been expected to see Liverpool surpass previous deals agreed by English clubs, including Manchester United’s £750m with Adidas.
However court documents seen by The Times reveal that the base figures of their bid falls below the £45m per year which New Balance are currently paying.
It is claimed that Nike will pay Liverpool a 20 per cent royalty fee on net sales of official products and use non-football ambassadors to promote the partnership.
Tennis star Serena Williams and rapper Drake are among those who would be involved in spreading brand awareness of the Anfield club in the arrangement.
A High Court judge will decide next month whether New Balance’s claim is valid, with a three-day hearing scheduled to begin in London on October 18.
Liverpool’s motivation for switching from the Boston-based manufacturer to Nike is understood to be linked to the worldwide distribution of its new kits.