Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston remains confident of making Blackburn Rovers coach Steve Kean new manager.

Johnston has confirmed former Celtic youth player Kean is his number one target to succeed Jimmy Calderwood as manager. However, landing Kean might require compensation, which reports claim could be as much as £200,000.

"We're not enthusiastic about that idea and we'd hope to get our man without paying compensation," Killie supremo Johnston told the Daily Record.

"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."