EWOOD chief John Williams today said Rovers are keeping an open mind about forming 'special relationships' with others clubs after Blackpool indicated a desire to link-up with their Premiership neighbours.

Seasiders chairman Karl Oyston is keen to come to an arrangement whereby Pool could take some of Rovers' youngsters on loan.

But Williams insists no talks have yet taken place between the two clubs, even though the idea of forming a mutually beneficial relationship with a lower league club is something which may appeal in the future.

"A number of clubs both at home and abroad have approached us in regard to forming a relationship and it's something we continue to look at," said Williams.

"But that's as far as it has gone at this moment in time."

A number of clubs, such as Sunderland and Darlington, and Liverpool and Crewe already enjoy a close relationship and the Football League have no problems with such an arrangement -- providing no money changes hands.

"We have nothing against two clubs -- normally one from the Premiership and the other lower down the leagues -- who want to have a close working relationship.

"It allows them to help each other out in certain ways, such as giving another club first choice when it comes to loaning out players," said a League spokesman. "So if Blackpool and Blackburn wanted to come to a similar arrangement then we would have no problem with that."

Rovers and Pool already have a decent relationship, particularly at managerial level where Graeme Souness and Steve McMahon share Liverpool connections.

But Oyston wants to take that a step further, believing some of the youngsters at Rovers' Academy may benefit from a loan spell at Bloomfield Road, where they would have more chance of first team football.