BLACKBURN Rovers have made an enquiry for Chelsea striker Franco di Santo.

The 20-year-old Argentinian joined Chelsea 18 months ago but is yet to start a match after being unable to force his way past the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in the pecking order.

Chelsea, who view di Santo as ‘one for the future’, are now understood to be keen to send him out on a season-long loan to gain experience in English football and Rovers have confirmed that they have contacted the Blues to express their interest.

Di Santo has three years left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge after penning a four-and-a-half year deal when he joined Chelsea from Chilean side Audax Italiano - the club from whom Rovers signed Carlos Villanueva on loan last summer.

The Argentina under 20 international, who started his career in his homeland with junior club Godoy Cruz, was a prolific marksman during his final season in Chile but is yet to get on the scoresheet in English football.

He was restricted to 16 substitute appearances during 2008/09 - three in the Champions League and one in the Carling Cup defeat to Burnley.

Rovers would have no issues having to re-apply for a work permit, though, because di Santo holds an Italian passport.

And at 6ft 4in the forward, who models his game on fellow Argentinian Hernan Crespo, would provide a much-needed option as a target man should Roque Santa Cruz depart Ewood Park this summer.