Blackburn Rovers are moving towards a takeover deal with a third party believed to consist of major American investors, the club's chairman John Williams has confirmed.

Senior club officials have been involved in negotiations for a number of months and although Williams has stressed a deal is not imminent he acknowledged "some progress" has been made.

Williams said: "I have said before we are willing sellers in discussions with third parties and those discussions have naturally progressed over a period of time.

"We have made some progress with a third party but it is very difficult because of all of the formalities involved. At present there is nothing else of particular significance to report."

Williams would not directly confirm reports of American involvement but conceded some serious interest in the club had come from abroad.

US investors are currently clamouring for a piece of lucrative Premiership action following the respective takeovers of Liverpool and Aston Villa, and also interest in the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Southampton.