CARLOS Villanueva is hoping to become a Blackburn Rovers player by the end of the week.

Rovers have agreed terms with the 22-year-old and his club side, Audax Italiano, over a season-long loan deal, which will then become permanent if he proves a success.

However, Rovers are still in the process of obtaining a work permit for the Chile international, which is expected to be sorted out by tomorrow.

Villanueva said: “I am very happy because I am going to be playing competitive football.

“I’m very keen to get things right and I hope to play as much as possible, as I intend on staying in England for a long time.

“I know that I will have to work hard, and I am not travelling thinking that I will immediately hold a position, but I hope I can win a place.”

Villanueva’s agent, Cristian Ogalde, meanwhile, is confident his client can make a major impact in the Premier League.

“Carlos is happy and calm, he is just anxious to start working with his new team-mates,” Ogalde told La Tercera.

“We have presented all the documents that they need by English law and in a few days he will have the permission to play in the Premier League.

“Carlos has done his medical exams and has all the paperwork necessary for him to play.”