Blackburn Rovers' owners are determined to discover the Premier League's first Indian star.
Blackburn owners on hunt for Premier League's first Indian player
Blackburn Rovers' owners are determined to use the club's resources to discover the Premier League's first Indian star.
The Lancashire club was bought by Indian poultry company Venky's last year and co-owner Balaji Rao is keen to use their scouting network to discover gifted young players from his country.
Rao plans to send academy coaches to India in the near future on a talent-hunting mission, and wants a number of youngsters to come to England and train at the club's academy.
Eager
The co-owner is also eager for Rovers to establish a new football academy in his home region of Pune, telling the
Lancashire Telegraph: "I plan to have an academy in Pune in the next two years.
"In fact officials from Blackburn Rovers academy will be coming to India to talent hunt soon.
"They will select four to five youngsters who will train at the academy in England for two years. Hopefully, one will play for the main team two years from now.
"I want to be the first person to get an Indian playing in the EPL. If at least one Indian player makes it to the EPL my dream is done.
"I am planning to start a Venky's football team in the next two years which will play in the Indian League.
"If okayed by the board I intend to name it Blackburn Rovers Pune."
As well as looking to strengthen Rovers' links with his home country, Rao is keen to bring top players to the club to ensure their survival in the Premier League.
Ambition
The owners have made their ambition clear since arriving at Ewood Park, making unsuccessful moves for former England captain David Beckham and Brazilian ace Ronaldinho.
And Rao is determined to deliver a high-profile signing to the Rovers fans, adding: "Yes we were trying to get Beckham, then we went lax on it as we were pursuing Ronaldinho.
"Nevertheless, I assure you we'll get a big name playing for us pretty soon.
"The first time as owners, they (Rovers fans) welcomed us so well. The feeling is overwhelming. It's something great."
