BLACKBURN Rovers could be under new ownership before the new Premiership season kicks off on August 11.

Chairman John Williams last night confirmed the club are in talks with several interested parties about a possible takeover, and significant progress has been made.

Lancashire Telegraph Sport understands there is interest in Rovers from groups based in both Britain and America, and ideally the club's trustees would like to seal a deal to sell their shares by the beginning of August as that could free up extra funds for manager Mark Hughes to use in the transfer window.

Rovers confirmed in a statement last night that talks are 'on-going and progressing', but as yet they have not entered into a process of due diligence with any of the interested parties.

"The club announced some weeks ago that it was prepared to give due consideration to selling if a suitable buyer could be found," said the statement.

"Since then, there has been continued interest from both home and abroad and the club can confirm that talks are on-going and progressing."