By Neal Wallace

The owners of Blackburn Rovers have insisted that the club is not for sale.

Recent news reports had suggested that the Premier League club was to be bought out by oil giant Qatar Petroleum, a Middle East-based company.

However the side's owners, Indian poultry farmer Venky's, told BBC Radio Lancashire that they were fully committed to Blackburn and have no interest in selling.

Co-owner Venkatesh Rao said he has "not come here to fool around. On a serious note, we love our company, we love our club and we love our fans".

The company became the first Indian owner of a Premier League club in November 2010, and Rao has highlighted their commitment to Rovers' cause.

After sacking then-manager Sam Allardyce, the club installed Steve Kean as manager, despite his lack of experience. The club retained their Premier League status on the final day of the season but are currently in the relegation zone, four points from safety.

Venky's recently said they are behind Kean "101 per cent".