Chile´s Villanueva completes Blackburn move

Chile international midfielder Carlos Villanueva has signed for Blackburn, the English Premier League club confirmed on Saturday.

The Chilean player of the year has joined Rovers on an initial one-year loan deal from Audax Italiano with the Lancashire side having the option to sign him permanently next summer.

If manager Paul Ince decides to keep Villanueva, the 22-year-old has already agreed terms on a three-year contract.

“It is an exciting signing, everyone is talking about him,” said Ince.

“He's a talented kid, he's a skilful player, I'm sure he'll excite the fans.

“Getting him here excites me and shows the kind of football I'm looking to play at Blackburn.”

Villanueva has 12 caps for Chile and could fill the gap left by David Bentley's departure for Tottenham.