Indian tycoon eyes Beckham after Blackburn takeover

Indian business tycoon Ahsan Ali Syed wants to take star footballer David Beckham if he completes his proposed takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers.

Bahrain-based Syed is talking to Rovers' chiefs for about a 300 million pounds ($468 million) takeover and he plans to launch an 80 million pounds ($125 million) spending spree on new players once the deal is finalised.

"I was 26 when I started following the Premier League. I used to like Blackburn back then and also used to follow Manchester United's fortunes because of David Beckham," he was quoted as saying by 'Daily Mail'.

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham has not played for an English club since he left Manchester United seven years ago and Syed feels he was the ideal player to lift the profile of Blackburn Rovers.

"If my finances allow and his intentions are positive then I would love to take Beckham," he said.

Representatives of Syed's investment firm Western Gulf Advisory last week opened talks with the Ewood Park Club which said the negotiations cordial and productive.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce said a takeover of the club could bring "great success" to Ewood Park, but has already vowed he will not take players on large transfer budget.

"I have to persuade the new owners -- if it happens -- that we have got to do it relatively slowly. You try and do it as quick as you possibly can, but you want to do it by making sure we sign the quality of player at the right price.

"Even though we might have millions and millions to spend, we still have to negotiate the right price and not over-spend for a player that is not worth the money," he said.