FRENCH duo Sacha Petshi and Bangaly-Fode Koita says they are realising a dream to play in England after becoming Blackburn Rovers’ first signings of the summer.

Combative midfielder Petshi, 23, yesterday penned a one-year contract with an option for a further 12 months after impressing on trial with Rovers.

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Striker Koita, 24, has signed a two-year deal after previous interest from Turkish top flight club Sivasspor, as well as reports linking him with Cardiff.

Both said they chose to join Rovers to fulfil an ambition to play in English football.

“It has always been my goal to play in England,” said 6ft 4in Petshi, whose rangy style has some similarities to former Rovers midfielder Steven Nzonzi.

“I love English football and I think my physique will suit the English game.

“I’m here to play, to learn and to help the team win lots of games.”

Koita is said to have pace and power, and was at Spotland last night to watch Rovers’ pre-season friendly at Rochdale.

“I’m very happy to be here, it is my dream to play in England and now my dream has come true,” said the former France under 21 international, who opted to leave Caen at the end of his contract in the summer.

“In France the game is more technical but here it is very physical, it is very strong. I am here to learn and do my best.

“I am really excited because I have waited to be here and now I am. I want to be happy.”

It remains uncertain whether Koita will be ready to feature in either of Rovers’ friendlies at Tranmere Rovers on Friday or OIdham Athletic on Saturday as he builds up fitness.

The 6ft 1in forward, who also qualifies to represent Guinea and recently turned down a call-up so he could settle his club future, netted seven times in 59 appearances during a two-year spell with French top division side Caen.

He previously represented Montpellier, where he played a minor role in their Ligue 1 title triumph in 2012.

Petshi was also in his native France last season with Bastia and started his career at Troyes before a spell in Serbia with Sloboda Uzice.

The midfielder featured in Rovers’ opening pre-season friendly at Accrington Stanley as a trialist and joined the squad on their week-long training camp in Portugal before playing in a behind closed doors game yesterday afternoon against Crewe Alexandra.

That match saw in-demand striker Rudy Gestede score twice on his return from a knee injury.