Football 4 All

Blackburn Rovers have this evening confirmed that they have signed striker Franco Di Santo from Chelsea on a loan deal that will last, initially at least, until the January transfer window.

However, Rovers' official website also states that the Lancastrians have "the first option of extending the deal until the end of the season in the event that Chelsea do not wish to recall him to their squad", which suggests a longer deal extending to the rest of the season is probable should the switch go well.

The 20-year-old has already played his part for the west London outfit during their pre-season schedule, scoring in the Blues' recent 2-1 win over Club America, and now looks set to make his Rovers debut in the club's friendly against Scottish side Hibernian on Wednesday at Ewood Park.

The Argentine made 16 appearances for Chelsea last season, all as substitute. Although largely untested at Premier League level, Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will be pleased to have secured the player's services.The departures of Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire had left the Lancashire club thin in terms of their forward options, after a potential move for out-of-contract veteran Christian Vieri seemed to stall last week.