Blackburn owners keen to bring in Indian player

Blackburn co-owner Balaji Rao is keen to use their scouting network to bring in young players from his native country, India.

Rao has revealed that Blackburn will also be looking to set up a new football academy in his home region of Pune.

He told 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.”