ARGENTINIAN playmaker Juan Riquelme has been offered to Blackburn Rovers as an answer to Venky’s dream of bringing a big-name signing to Ewood Park.

Barry McIntosh, the man who helped bring Jermaine Jones to Ewood, has started dialogue with club advisors about the possibility of making the Boca Juniors midfield ace the ‘marquee signing’ the club have been searching for.

Rovers’ owners have so far failed in attempts to sign Ronaldinho and David Beckham but are now understood to be considering the viability of signing the 32-year-old former Barcelona man as they look to make a Premier League impact.

They have already said money is no object in the pursuit of a major name, and three-time Argentinian player of the year Riquelme would be of the status they are looking for.

Manager Steve Kean would have the final say over any transfer but it is understood Venky’s ambitions could lure Riquelme away from Argentina if they opted to make a definite move for him.

Agent McIntosh said: “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 is also playing a role in Rovers’ potential signing of exciting Argentine midfielder Mauro Formica, with the 22-year-old reported to be ready to travel to England for talks.

Formica, who plays for Newell’s Old Boys, has turned down a potential loan move to West Ham and now Rovers are being touted as his most likely destination.

While we understand his Rovers switch is still far from a done deal, with the move shrouded in uncertainty, Argentinian top flight side Newell’s Old Boys believe Formica will move to Ewood Park.

Newell's general manager Gustavo Dezotti has claimed a deal is close and even told the local media he would sign for Red Star Belgrade, before being loaned to Rovers.

“Agreements are in place,” he said when asked about Rovers. “Of course verbal agreements must be finalised and until that happens we cannot say the deal is done.”

With a big presence in South America, poultry giants Venky’s are believed to have been scouring the continent in search for exciting young talent to help spread Rovers’ name.

Manager Steve Kean has already spoken about wanting to bring ‘development players to the club’, as well as more solid domestic signings, and Formica would fit that mould.

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.”

Meanwhile Barcelona youngster Ruben Rochina is understood to still be on Rovers’ radar as they look to secure the signing of the 19-year-old striker.

Sources close to Barcelona also insist Rovers are trying to sign Barcelona midfielder Victor Vazquez on loan, although his agent claims there has been no contact.