Ahsan Ali Syed has moved into pole position to take over Blackburn Rovers after his Western Gulf Advisory (WGA) investment vehicle was given a four-week period of exclusivity to check the club's accounts, meaning no other bidder can buy the club or look into the books. 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 £300 million (Dh1.75m) to wrap up the acquisition, cover outstanding debts and "provide the necessary capital to buy new players and invest over the longer term so [the club] can once again become a title contender". The statement added WGA would also "discuss the potential business and investment strategy including the transfer of new players" with John Williams, the Rovers chairman.
Blackburn host Everton today and Sam Allardyce, the manager, has paid tribute to Everton counterpart David Moyes and his club for the stability they have created. Moyes, in his eighth year with Everton, is one of the longest-serving managers of the same club in the Premier League. "It is a rarity now and Everton are extremely fortunate to have kept David where he is because of the work he has done and how hard he has worked to turn the club around from what was a difficult position when he took over," said Allardyce.
"David and the club fit very nicely and they are reaping the benefits of stability. "It is something that lots more clubs should take notice of because without that stability you are not going to bring any sort of success to a club. * PA Sport Blackburn v Everton, 6pm on ADMC Sports 3, to order: 800-2388 or www.admcsport.com