Air Asia tycoon plotting £100m move to buy QPR

Air Asia tycoon Tony Fernandes is plotting a £100 million ($163 million) move to buy Queens Park Rangers, according to the 'Mirror'.

The multi-millionaire Malaysian businessman, who is team principal for Formula One outfit Team Lotus, is growing increasingly confident of striking a deal to take control of the Barclays Premier League club, the report said.

Fernandes, 47, has already been shown around Loftus Road and talked to manager Neil Warnock about transfer funds as Rangers plan for their return to the top flight.

Co-owner Bernie Ecclestone has said £100 million would be enough to take over the west London club.

Ecclestone holds a 62 per cent shareholding and although business partner Flavio Briatore has an option to buy the shares if the 80-year-old decides to sell, it is believed the pair have given Fernandes the go-ahead for the move.

The club's other shareholder Lakshmi Mittal has failed to secure Ecclestone's shares after refusing to meet the asking price.

A QPR statement confirmed "preliminary discussions" had taken place over the sale.

West Ham fan Fernandes lost out to David Gold and David Sullivan in his bid to buy the Hammers in January 2010 but claimed earlier this year that he was still looking to invest in the club.