Indian tycoon bids to take control of Blackburn Rovers

An Indian business tycoon is attempting to take control of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, promising its manager 100 million pounds to spend on players should his 300 million pounds offer for the club be accepted.

London: An Indian business tycoon, based in Bahrain, is attempting to take control of English Premier

League club Blackburn Rovers, promising its manager 100 million pounds to spend on players should his 300 million pounds offer for the club be accepted. Ahsan Ali Syed`s representatives opened talks with the Ewood Park Club yesterday and the 36-year-old was reported to have made a promise of a huge transfer budget. "I want to give Blackburn Rovers manager Allardyce support financially so that he can perform wonders," Syed said. Ali claims to have followed Blackburn for ten years. His 15-year business plan for the club involves a 300 million pounds investment in players, stadium and training facilities and the youth academy. Ali, whose family wealth can be traced to the East India Company, believes that he is in pole position. "The negotiations have been straight and there are no complications. I do not see any obstacles," he said. The Indian is the heir to a five billion pounds fortune and Ali said he wants to buy Blackburn because of his "passion" for the club and is not merely seeking to make a quick return on his investment. "For me the investment in Blackburn is more of a passion than a way to make a quick return on the balance sheet," he said. Ali admitted that he had yet to contact the Premier League about his potential takeover, but said: "My proof of funds is quite evident. I am not acquiring this on hire purchase. I have sufficient liquidity to buy the club." PTI