Blackburn Rovers’ new owners, the Rao family-run Indian poultry firm Venky’s, will hold crunch talks with team manager Sam Allardyce against a backdrop of potential controversy over Rovers’ January transfer window targets.

The Rao’s, led by Venky’s talkative chairperson Anuradha Desai, already courted controversy by suggesting that they rename Rovers’ Ewood Park the “Venky’s Stadium,” an idea on which they have since backtracked after fierce fan protests.

Now Venky’s are reportedly in talks with Kentaro sports agency over transfer targets, prior to meeting with Allardyce to discuss budgets.

 

Rovers were recently humiliated 7-1 by Manchester United at Old Trafford. And although this result was surrounded by convincing home wins over Aston Villa and Wolves, Allardyce is under pressure to strengthen his squad next month.

Desai added pressure last week, saying she wanted “attacking and entertaining play” from Blackburn and would tell Allardyce that “the way we play is vital.”

Allardyce has had a controlling involvement, particularly in player acquisitions, throughout his career.

Indeed, he already has his January targets, with names such as Roque Santa Cruz, John Carew and former Rovers favourite David Bentley on his wish-list.

Blackburn face Allardyce’s old club Bolton in the EPL on Sunday lunchtime. Allardyce’s most successful years, as both player and manager, were with the Trotters.

Rovers midfielder David Dunn says he will make the trip to the Reebok Stadium, despite being replaced after only 52 minutes against Wolves. He said of his leg injury: “It will be fine, it’s just a little niggle.”