Kilmarnock have dropped their pursuit of Blackburn Rovers coach Steve Kean.

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has conceded defeat in his bid to appoint Kean as the club's new manager.

With his number one choice now out of the picture, Johnston has begun sifting through other applications, which he claims have come from across the globe.

Indeed, there are reports Germany's World Cup and European Championship-winning midfielder Thomas Hassler has put himself forward for interview, while former Romania boss Victor Piturca is also said to have declared an interest.

Johnston told the Daily Record: "Kean is no longer an option but other names are coming in from all over the world.

"I'm open minded on who we turn to next. Pre-season training begins on July 5 and maybe it's time we went for a fresh approach after years of following a more traditional path.

"I'm not going to exclude anyone on the grounds of geography."

Gus MacPherson, who was sacked by St Mirren last month, has also been heavily linked with his former club.

Johnston said: "Gus was put to us by a third party. He is out of contract and time is against us.

"I'd hoped to be in a position to name a new manager this week but that will be impossible."