Franco Di Santo

[the wes 7,212]

Blackburn Rovers hope to extend Franco Di Santo's loan deal after Chelsea indicated they do not require the Argentinian striker to cover for their losses at the African Cup of Nations in January.

The 20-year-old is due to return to Stamford Bridge on 31 December after a productive loan spell at Ewood Park in which, despite scoring only once in the Premier League, he has become a regular starter.

Chelsea originally insisted on a limited loan period given Didier Drogba's and Salomon Kalou's international commitments in Angola next month.

However, talks over an extension have progressed smoothly in recent days, with Di Santo's regular first-team opportunities at Blackburn an influential factor for Chelsea, and an agreement is believed to be close. A permanent deal is not on Rovers' agenda at this stage.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/22/franco-di-santo-blackburn-Chelsea

[the wes 7,212]

Young striker Franco Di Santo has extended his loan spell with Blackburn from Chelsea until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old joined Sam Allardyce's side in August on an initial deal until January and will now remain at Ewood Park until the conclusion of the campaign.

Di Santo has made 15 Premier League appearances for Rovers, but has contributed just one goal to date in the victory over local rivals Burnley.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti will be without strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou during January due to the African Cup of Nations, but has decided against recalling the Argentine forward.

A statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Franco Di Santo's loan spell at Blackburn Rovers has been extended until the end of the season."

Di Santo will now hope to help Rovers improve their disappointing goals tally, with Allardyce's troops averaging just one per game.

Blackburn, who have not won in their last six matches, are just three points above the Premier League relegation places.

SkySports

[5354 204]

Extended. hmm I thought he will be back after Kalou/Drogba and Anelka is gone...

[Kostas 1,468]

Just had a look at his stats on CFCnet,1 goal and 1 assist out of 16 starts,not really impressive.

Sheva and Pizarro left but it looks like Ancelotti likes Srurridge,will Di Santo ever get a chance?Does he deserve one?

Edited April 5, 2010 by Kostas

[Term-X 7,891]

Just had a look at his stats on CFCnet,1 goal and 1 assist out of 16 starts,not really impressive.

Sheva and Pizarro left but it looks like Ancelotti likes Srurridge,will Di Santo ever get a chance?Does he deserve one?

carlo will favour fabio borini.

anyways.. sturridge can barley get games, so what chance does di santo really have with stats like that ^

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2010/06/01/1953513/chelsea-striker-franco-di-santo-a-cut-price-target-for

I don't think physical sides suite Franco

[BlueLion. 21,491]

That article won't load - I imagine its linking him with Bolton? There were newspaper stories Coyle wanted him.

[zolayes 14,489]

franco like sinclair hasnt done well out on loan.. i thought he showed promise

[NoFear 23]

Well atleast Coyle dusnt play the long ball game.. But since they already hv Kevin Davies, Di santo will probably hv to settle for sub appearances.. Anyways thats better than featuring fr our reserve side..

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I don't really see us selling him..

It's true we have the likes of Borini and Sturridge who are more likely to get appearances over him, but he's young and doing well on loan.. We won't be in a hurry to sell

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Doing well on loan?

He scored one goal throughout the season, i hope that playing for another PL side which has different tactics to Blackburn may help show his scoring abilities. He has shown his ability for assists though, now and then at least.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Doing well on loan?

He scored one goal throughout the season, i hope that playing for another PL side which has different tactics to Blackburn may help show his scoring abilities. He has shown his ability for assists though, now and then at least.

With Bolton that is a no.

[ZanSnake 1,211]

With Bolton that is a no.

Here's hoping he doesn't go to Bolton then

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Bolton actually play half-decent football under Coyle, especially at home. They're incorrectly labelled as a stereotypical route one side.

[Morpheus 8]

hope the club can learn from this.. balackburn was the wrong move for him.

[Champion 0]

He looks like some good talent, Hopefully he will play next season.

[NoFear 23]

Would he be the next Emile Heskey ?!!? A non scoring fwd who plays to help get the best out of others ?? Thats what Big Sam said Franco was good at..... Hope that isnt true

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Unless he can play on the right wing, Di Santo isn't going to be staying here, but Sinclair may have a chance