Diego Maradona has emerged as a surprise outsider to become the next Blackburn Rovers manager following the shock dismissal of Sam Allardyce according to English newspaper The Mirror.

An insider told the newspaper: "Maradona is seen as the right profile for the VH Group. He could be offered the manager's job, the general manager's job or even technical director."

The Rao brothers, who own the Venky's Group which bought Blackburn Rovers last month, yesterday sacked Allardyce despite the club's stable mid-table position.

In a short statement the Venky's Group said: "We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club.

"We would like to put on record our thanks to Mr Allardyce for his contribution to Blackburn Rovers Football Club."

Despite Martin Jol, Alan Shearer and Martin O'Neil named as the bookies' favourites to take over at Ewood Park, The Mirror has touted Argentina legend Diego Maradona as the owner's preferable option.

In terms of football management, after two abortive starts in club coaching in South America the 50-year-old was handed the reins of the Argentina national team in 2008. He led a nation with an absurd array of talent to their worst ever defeat, a 6-1 loss to Bolivia, during a spell which almost saw them fail to qualify for the World Cup, though he did turn things around subsequently. Argentine coach was also linked to the Aston Villa job in September.