PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has urged Blackburn Rovers to continue with their policy of giving opportunities to young talent – even though their new financial backing has led to links with summer moves for a host of star names.

Rovers have already confirmed an interest in Ruud van Nistelrooy and seem likely to make a number of moves in the transfer market this summer if they avoid relegation from the Premier League, with new owners Venky's keen to bring in a marquee signing.

But Taylor, who played for Rovers between 1976 and 1978, told the Lancashire Telegraph that he has been delighted to see the emergence of Phil Jones at Ewood Park in the past 12 months and hopes that the club will continue to offer opportunities to youth team graduates.

The PFA are keen to see talented young players get their chance in the Premier League and, with both Rovers boss Steve Kean and Venky’s echoing that ambition, Taylor hopes the temptation to instead bring in players from abroad will not prove too great and the club will continue to keep faith in youth.

"I hope so, it's the same with Man City, they had a change of ownership and can afford to buy any ready-made player they want," said Taylor, who is based locally and still visits Ewood Park for matches.

"But they had a very good youth system so I hope they won't take their eye off that ball.

"There’s nothing better than a local youngster coming through and being given an opportunity.

"It’s a little bit lazy just to buy ready-made players from anywhere in the world. The hard job is developing them, bringing them through.

"And when you see lads like David Dunn and Phil Jones come through, I think that makes it really special.

"One of the reasons why we weren't unhappy with the transfer window was that a club has to name a squad and they have to have at least eight now who are home grown, youth developed between the ages of 16 and 21.

"But also if there are injuries to senior players, it does give a chance to youngsters.

"That's how Phil Jones got his chance. He came in against Chelsea, he came in to play against Drogba, showed his capability and he's gone from strength to strength since then.

"It just shows that given the chance, youngsters can respond.

"If they’re not given a chance, they're against a glass ceiling."