Preston could soon have a rugby league team again if Blackpool Panthers fold.

Majority shareholder of the Panthers, Dave Rowland, resigned as director of rugby this week and said he will not be putting any more money into the club beyond paying the players' wages for the last two games of the season.

Mr Rowland, a Leigh based entrepeneur, believes that without his backing the National League Two club will struggle for funds, and fold -- paving the way for him to start a club in Preston.

He plans to call the club Preston Panthers and has held talks with Preston Grasshoppers RUFC, Lightfoot Lane, Fulwood, about using the club's ground.

The Panthers moved to Blackpool last year from Chorley where they were known as Chorley Lynx. Before that they played at Deepdale as Lancashire Lynx.

Their time at Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool FC, has seen poor attendances.

They have used the Hoppers' ground a couple of times this season.

Mr Rowland, added: "I think that we could make a real success of it at Preston."

He said Hopper's ground was more suited to the needs of the Panthers than Bloomfield Road as it has a lower capacity and lower rental costs.

Ken Moor, spokesman for Preston Grasshoppers, said: "Discussions are at an early stage, we are certainly interested in pursuing it."

Blackpool Panthers chairman, Henry Morris, said he was not in a position to comment until he had discussed the issue with his board.