Rupert's wealth is estimated at �560m

The Division One club, in existence since 1927, has been approached by Johann Rupert, one of the world's richest men.

According to the Sunday Times, he aims to move the club to Loftus Road and sign a host of big name South Africans.

Former Springbok Bobby Skinstad is said to head that list of targeted players.

The ultimate aim is to win promotion to the Premiership and tap into the commercial opportunities of the domestic game.

Reportedly unsuccessful informal approaches have already been made by Rupert towards Saracens, Harlequins, London Irish and Wasps.

A club has to have a soul - buying a fixture list doesn't bring success and nor does buying a team Former Orrell captain Sammy Southern

But this week the Rugby Football Union confirmed a South African consortium was aiming to buy out an unnamed English club.

However, Graeme Cattermole, chairman of the RFU management board, said: "All bids to takeover an RFU member club must be made through a formal written proposal.

"The RFU would then make a decision on whether to approve the acquisition of the club after consulting with the relevant parties.

"The bid from a South African consortium to invest in English rugby was discussed at last Wednesday's management board. Should a formal proposal be received, it will then be considered in line with RFU regulations."

Orrell are in prime position for a takeover, with only four of their squad not out of contract at the end of the season.

And club director of rugby Ross Reynolds has recently left his post, having moved to Rotherham.

The move, though, could yet meet with opposition.

It's awful a club with a history such as Orrell's could be taken over to become a faceless team From MonolithQC Have your say on Scrum V

Former club captain Sammy Southern, Orrell's director of rugby until 2002, said: "It would no longer be Orrell and I find that very sad.

"A club has to have a soul. Just buying a fixture list doesn't bring success and nor does buying a team."

A second consortium, led by South African rugby promoter Willem Strauss and players' agent Jason Smith, is also bidding for a buy-out at Wakefield, according to the report.

Club secretary Roger Parkinson, however, admitted any deal may have been scuppered after they were relegated to Division Two on Saturday.

"Any decision on the club's future would have to be taken by the members and the directors," he added.