Blackburn Ambition Pleases Kean

Since the new owners arrived at the club, the likes of Chris Samba, Michel Salgado, Jason Roberts and, most recently last week, Phil Jones have all signed new deals. Jones, in particular, has been seen as crucial as Kean confirmed the club received enquiries for the central defender during last month's transfer window from "a couple of big clubs".

"There is always going to be interest. The big clubs are always going to try and recruit people of Phil's stature," said Kean. "We had enquiries from a couple of big clubs, and without naming any names, we're delighted he decided to pledge his future to us."

He added: "They were only tentative enquiries. There was nothing concrete put in front of us.

"But it says a lot for us as a club that players like Phil can commit themselves to us, even if there is interest from bigger clubs.

"What we give them is a platform on which to play, with academy and reserve players promoted to the first team and given a chance to mix in with the quality senior players we already have here."

After breaking into the first team 11 months ago, Jones signed a five-year contract in the summer, only for the club to recognise they had to do more to avoid him being lured away.

Whatever clauses Jones may possess in his new deal, Kean knows it may not be enough to keep the mega-rich at bay.

"You have to hope it's enough," added Kean. "If somebody came in with a really big bid then we would speak to Phil and the people who look after him, who are very sensible and who give him good solid advice.

"But hopefully as he keeps playing, progressing and developing, we'll keep hold of him for the term of his contract."

Source: PA

Source: PA