Rovers sign Chilean as Bentley replacement

The Chilean player of the year has joined Rovers on an initial one-year loan deal from Audax Italiano with the Lancashire side having the option to sign him permanently next summer.

If manager Paul Ince decides to keep Villanueva, the 22-year-old has already agreed terms on a three-year contract. The attack-minded player has 12 caps for Chile and was a prolific scorer with his former club. Although he is little known outside his native continent at present, Ince is certain Villanueva will prove a big hit at Ewood Park.