American based entrepreneur Daniel Williams is the "new Jack Walker" behind a £67million bid for Blackburn Rovers.

The People can reveal that the Lytham St Annes-born, Cambridge University educated businessman is the head of a consortium that is close to buying the Lancashire club.

Williams is now based in Camden, New Jersey, but is selling his investment groups to raise the cash and fulfil his dream of owning his favourite team, along with some major allies.

Williams made his cash in a recruitment business before moving into venture capital and friends say he is "seriously rich" and "very determined".

Williams is a UK citizen who wants to protect the heritage of the club and pump in cash to give Mark Hughes money for new players, while improving marketing.

The figure he originally came up with was £43million, based on the price paid by Randy Lerner for Aston Villa.

In the past three months Rovers have talked the price up to a staggering £67million, which will go to Walker's family via his Jersey-based trust.

Williams now wants an exclusive deal to look at the Blackburn books and confirm that their own debts are manageable.

Rovers are expected to permit this, possibly this week. Current Blackburn Chairman, John Williams is popular with the fans, but won't wreck the deal by insisting he stays.