Rovers have the option to sign Villanueva permanently

Blackburn have signed midfielder Carlos Villanueva on an initial one-year loan deal from Chilean club Audax Italiano.

Rovers have the option to acquire the 22-year-old, currently Chile's player of the year, for a further three years at a pre-arranged fee.

"It is an exciting signing," boss Paul Ince told the club's website. "He is a talented kid, he's a skilful player and I am sure he will excite the fans."

Villaneuva has made 12 appearances for Chile, scoring one goal.

And Ince added: "We'll see how it goes, it is always hard when you come to a new country.

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"I went to Italy and it took me a few months to settle down, so I don't want too much expectation on the lad."

The deal comes after England midfielder David Bentley left Blackburn for Tottenham last week.