SAM Allardyce is running the rule over a French starlet once dubbed the ‘new Patrick Vieira’ as he continues his young gun revolution in East Lancashire.

Former France Under-21 inter-national Herold Goulon has arrived at Brockhall this week to undergo Allardyce’s ‘physical tests’ and for the Ewood coaching staff to take a closer look at him in training.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder could even be instantly snapped up by Rovers following a successful trial after his release from Le Mens allows clubs to sign him outside the transfer window.

Any deal is far from guaranteed with Goulon arriving with everything to prove, but the powerful midfielder does appear to fit into Allardyce’s Ewood Park blueprint.

While takeover talks continue behind the scenes at Ewood, with several parties still in the race to purchase the club, Allardyce is not wavering from the youth policy that has flourished over the past couple of seasons.

The 6ft 4ins midfielder is in a similar mould to Allardyce signings Steven Nzonzi and Amine Linganzi, while fellow youngsters Martin Olsson, Nikola Kalinic, Phil Jones, Junior Hoilett and Grant Hanley have also been given a chance to shine under ‘Big Sam’s’ leadership.

In 2002, Goulon earned a place in the Clairefontaine Academy, a French centre of excellence that also helped the development of top players such as Nicolas Anelka, William Gallas, Louis Saha and Thierry Henry.

Upon his graduation from the academy he signed for Olympique Lyonnais but, after a year of reserve team football, he signed a three-year deal with Premier League outfit Middlesbrough.

His move to England never worked out though and, with no Premier League appearances to his name, he was signed by French outfit Le Mens in January 2009.

He was a regular for the French outfit last campaign, and won three Under-21 caps in the Toulon tournament last year, but upon relegation to Ligue Two was released from his contract.

Several clubs in Italy and France are believed to be tracking his situation with interest but, with his main aim being a Premier League return, Rovers have moved in to offer him an English lifeline.

Goulon will have to prove past knee problems are now behind him, while Allardyce will also have to be convinced his previous disciplinary problems are also a thing of the past.

Goulon is expected to train with Rovers over the next few days, after arriving at Brockhall yesterday, before Allardyce and his staff reach their verdict.