Indian entrepreneur Saurin Shah admits he is serious about buying Blackburn.

It was revealed earlier this week that Shah is prepared to pay £25million to gain control at Ewood Park and has been given permission to begin due diligence of the club's finances.

Shah, who is the nephew of the vice-chairman of cricket's Indian Premier League, is adamant his interest is genuine and he is keen to complete the deal before the start of the new season in August.

"We're serious, we're in negotiations. We've acquired the right of due diligence. We have the right of first refusal," Shah told the Daily Mirror.

"There are many Indian and Pakistani people in Lancashire. So the interest is natural."