Chelsea are ready to allow Franco di Santo to extend his loan at Blackburn Rovers to the end of the season.

The Mirror says the young Argentinian was due to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the month, but now Carlo Ancelotti is willing to let him stay - with a view to a full transfer.

Di Santo, 20, has scored only once this season but has been a regular in Allardyce's side and would save Rovers a small fortune by signing for the second half of the campaign.

Chelsea's decision to let him stay - even when Didier Drogba goes to the African Cup of Nations - suggests Ancelotti is confident he will sign a new face next month.