Juan Roman Riquelme has been offered to Blackburn Rovers, as they continue to search for a marquee signing.
Argentine playmaker could make shock switch to Ewood Park
Juan Roman Riquelme has been offered to Blackburn Rovers, as they continue to search for a marquee signing.
The Argentine playmaker is currently on the books of Boca Juniors, but has previously spent time in Europe with Barcelona and Villarreal.
He could be just the man Rovers are looking for, with ambitious attempts to lure David Beckham and Ronaldinho to Ewood Park having drawn a blank.
The club's owners, Indian poultry firm Venky's, have made no secret of their desire to land a star name during the January transfer window and agent Barry McIntosh, the man who helped take Jermaine Jones to Blackburn, admits he has opened discussions regarding a deal for Riquelme.
He told the
Lancashire Telegraph: "I have spoken with Jerome Anderson, who is doing a lot of work for Blackburn Rovers, about Riquelme and it is being thought about. He could prove a great alternative to Ronaldinho, but there is nothing definite yet."
McIntosh has also confirmed that Blackburn are keen on landing Mauro Formica from Newell's Old Boys.
Phenomenal talent
The 22-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Argentinian football, with West Ham having already launched one failed attempt to land his signature.
McIntosh, who helped Rovers sign Chilean Carlos Villanueva back in 2008, said: "I did offer this player to Jerome Anderson for Blackburn Rovers also.
"I understand he and his South American representatives are on their way to England to talk. It would have to be a permanent move as West Ham tried to sign him on loan before and that was flatly refused.
"He is one of the hottest players on the scene in South America at the moment.
"Maybe he would not make an immediate impact but Blackburn Rovers would be getting a phenomenal talent.
"Remember, he would be coming from a club who had had great players like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona."
