Investors inspect Blackburn books

Ahsan Ali Syed has moved into pole position to take over Blackburn after his Western Gulf Advisory (WGA) investment vehicle was given a four-week period of exclusivity to check the club’s accounts.

Citigate Dewe Rogerson, which looks after WGA’s public relations, claimed in a statement released to The Sport Briefing that the Bahrain-Swiss investment company would sign a memorandum of understanding with Blackburn on Monday morning before beginning detailed due diligence.

Syed, an Indian businessman, has earmarked £300m to wrap up the acquisition, cover outstanding debts and “provide the necessary capital to buy new players and invest over the longer term so it can once again become a title contender”.

The statement added that WGA would also “discuss the potential business and investment strategy including the transfer of new players” with Rovers chairman John Williams.

“For a period of four weeks, beginning on August 16, WGA will explore the financial situation of the club,” read the statement.

“Over this four-week period WGA has been granted exclusivity which means no other bidder can buy the club or look into Blackburn’s books.”

Jean-Claude Darmon, a key figure in French sports marketing for more than 40 years, has been brought in to advise WGA in negotiations.