TODD Kane hopes to impress new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho during his latest spell at Ewood Park – after turning down a Premier League move to rejoin Blackburn Rovers.

Kane is back with Rovers on a season-long loan from Chelsea after impressing in two temporary spells under Gary Bowyer last season.

The 19-year-old has held discussions with Mourinho about his long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge, having signed a new three-year contract with the Blues, and wants another year of progress to aid both Rovers and his own career.

Mourinho will monitor Kane’s form throughout the season, with Chelsea loan scout Eddie Newton spotted at some of Rovers’ pre-season games.

Asked if he was keen to impress Mourinho, he said: “Yes, if he’s not at the games he’ll be watching somewhere.

“I spoke to him, I don’t want to give too much away but he was really nice.

“Every opportunity to get time off I’m going to travel down and see the lads, and get back home for a couple of days.”

And Kane has revealed that he opted to return to Ewood instead of taking up the offer of a loan with a Premier League side, believing another season with Bowyer is the right thing for his career.

The Rovers boss had registered his interest in another loan deal before the end of last season.

“I had other clubs interested but I spoke to Gaz before I went away and he said if he got the job would I be interested, and I said yes,” Kane said.

“Then as soon as he got the job Gaz rung me and said would I like to come back. I didn’t hesitate one bit.

“There were Championship clubs and Premier League clubs interested but this was a great opportunity for me.

“After coming here last year, I got on really well with the fans and I love the club so I thought it would be good to come back. I felt comfortable here, I settled in well.

“There is a temptation with the Premier League but you’ve got to think of your career and playing, as a young lad.

“I thought this was the right decision to make.”

Kane felt he benefited from regular first-team football at the end of last season and believes more games will see him improve further as a player.

“I started getting better and better, gelling with the team and playing to my strengths as well and I was really pleased with that,” he said.

“I get on really well with Gaz and I’m lucky enough that he brought me in.

“I’ve been playing well and playing to his strengths and hopefully I can do well for Blackburn this season.”

Rovers are continuing attempts to strengthen their squad before Sunday’s season opener at Derby.

A fee in the region of £500,000 was agreed with Aston Villa last week for Barry Bannan and talks have been taking place since then as both parties attempt to reach agreement over personal terms.

Ian Evatt is in discussions about joining Chesterfield after training with Rovers last week.

The collapse of Gael Givet’s move to Livorno meant Rovers were unable to offer the former Blackpool centre back a deal.