FOOTBALL chairman Stephen Vaughan has revealed to the Weekly News he is interested in taking over Widnes Vikings RLFC Ltd.

Mr Vaughan, 43, a self-made millionaire, says he has 'made contact' with Widnes Vikings directors regarding a possible takeover and it is believed talks could take place soon.

Mr Vaughan said: 'I have made contact with Widnes Vikings and, I must admit, I am interested in the club.

'We need to get behind a table and discuss things, but the interest is there.' Vikings chairman Tony Chambers did not deny Vaughan had been in touch.

Mr Chambers said: 'We have had a couple of approaches from different people about joining the board of directors, as Rodney Brown, Jim Mills and Albert Harris are all retiring.

'But I will do what is in the best interests of the club and if there is a new substantial amount of finance on offer, then we would have to look at that.'

Mr Vaughan pulled Chester City FC from the brink of financial ruin after taking over five years ago.

He believes he could perform a similar feat at Widnes.

There are no legal barriers to Mr Vaughan taking the helm at two different sporting clubs.

* The Vikings have announced a £170,556 loss in the year ending December 31, 2004. This compares with a loss of £142,981 for the previous 12 months.