Kean talks at delicate stage - Killie

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston is confident of luring Steve Kean, despite Blackburn telling him their first-team coach is going nowhere. Johnston has confirmed former Celtic youth player Kean is his number one target to succeed Jimmy Calderwood as manager at Rugby Park.However, landing Kean might require compensation, which reports claim could be as much as £200,000.Debt-laden Killie are not prepared to pay that kind of figure, according to Johnston."We're not enthusiastic about that idea and we'd hope to get our man without paying compensation," said the Killie supremo, who will attempt to negotiate a deal that benefits all parties."We're offering Stevie the opportunity to develop his coaching skills in a top national league."Maybe Blackburn might want him back one day in a bigger role. The matter isn't clear-cut and negotiations are at a delicate stage."The Rovers chairman's told me Stevie's not leaving them. My understanding is both parties are going to have further talks."Johnston added in the Daily Record: "We believe we have terms and conditions that would be agreeable to Stevie but they may see compensation as a point of principle."Celtic coach Willie McStay has also been linked with Killie and Johnston does not believe publicly courting Kean will put others off wanting the job.Blackburn chairman John Williams dismissed any prospect of Kean leaving Ewood Park, saying in the Scottish Sun: "I'm not denying there has been contact from Kilmarnock. But Steve doesn't want to go anywhere and he's very happy here."People tell me there have been stories about him being unveiled by Kilmarnock this week. But that's wide of the mark. He's staying here."He's our first-team coach, a key member and we'd like him to stay."More importantly, he wants to stay."

Source: Team_Talk