Villanueva is Rovers bound

Chilean deal almost done

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 19th July 2008

carlos villanueva chilean

Villanueva: On his way to England

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Carlos Villanueva will complete his move to Blackburn next week, according to his current employers.

Reports on Friday revealed that Rovers were keen on taking the Audax Italiano midfielder to Ewood Park on a season-long loan deal, with the obtaining of a work permit presenting the only potential obstacle.

However, with both sides expecting the formalities to be completed without a hitch the Audax president, Valentin Cantergiani, claims the 22-year-old will be on his way to England in the next few days.

"It will be completed next week," Cantergiani said on Cooperativa radio station.

"There are some details to finalise, but there is an agreement with Blackburn Rovers."

Zarate

Meanwhile, Villanueva's agent has revealed that Rovers initially approached him in regards to the availability of former Birmingham forward Mauro Zarate.

The young Argentinean has since signed for Italian side Lazio, but Cristian Otero was able to convince Paul Ince that another of his clients may be of interest to him.

"I have a good relationship with Ince," said Otero.

"He knew that I took Mauro Zarate (to Birmingham) six months ago and he told me he liked him, but Mauro finally signed for Lazio.

"He wanted a similar player, so I took him several videos of Villanueva, as I believe that they have a similar profile. After watching them, he decided to ask about a transfer."

Villanueva had been set to join Spanish outfit Real Sociedad in May, but saw that deal fall through.

He will be hoping that a similar situation does not arise this time around, and that he will be given an opportunity to test himself in a major European league.