Blackburn Rovers to sign New Zealand teenager

Blackburn Rovers are expected to complete the signing of New Zealand teenager Tim Payne in January.

The 17-year-old, who is not contracted to a club, has impressed in the Rovers reserve team during a trial with the side.

"It has all happened so fast," he told the New Zealand Herald.

"At the start of this year, I was focused on getting a start for the Under-17s and hadn't really thought about the Under-20s. Now I have a chance in England.

"It is pretty exciting. My goal is to play professionally somewhere and this is a big step in that direction."

Blackburn, who are currently 19th in the Premier League table, travel to Stoke City on Saturday.