A QATAR oil giant could be set to launch a shock takeover bid for Blackburn Rovers.

The Lancashire Telegraph understand the company is preparing to offer £25m for the club to under fire owners Venky's as well as taking on and clearing the club's debt.

Rovers are not the only Premier League club they are looking at, although they are understood to have already been put off moving for Everton due to the cost involved in building a new stadium.

Venky's were unavailable for comment today and it is not yet known whether Rovers' Indian owners would be prepared to sell.

In the past, Venky's have vehemently denied suggestions they were looking to sell the club they bought 12 months ago next week.

They have suffered a tough introduction to life as a football club owner, with Rovers fans disappointed and concerned about the club's current position.

The company, who do not want to be named at this stage, would want a quick resolution to their move in order to implement the changes they feel are needed for the club to thrive in the Premier League.

The prospect of buying a Premier League club has become attractive to them after Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup.

Rovers are not the only Premier League club they are interested in buying and have not even been told that Venky's would consider selling the club.

It is believed they even showed some interest in buying Manchester United.