BLACKBURN Rovers have made a formal approach to extend the Chelsea striker’s loan until the end of the season.

Di Santo was prevented from featuring against his parent club in the league this season because of Premier League rules and will also miss tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie because Chelsea do not want him cup-tied.

It still remains unclear whether the Blues will allow the Argentinian to remain at Ewood Park beyond January, with Ancelotti set to lose strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou to the African Cup of Nations for a lengthy period at the start of 2010.

Rovers have made no secret of their desire to keep Di Santo for as long as possible, though, and expect to know soon whether he will be able to stay for the rest of the season.

Everton are also reported to be interested in signing the 20-year-old.