Steve Kean admits it is inevitable Junior Hoilett's form will have attracted other clubs but has not given up on keeping him at Blackburn.
Rovers boss knows youngster will be attracting more interest
Blackburn boss Steve Kean admits it is inevitable Junior Hoilett's current form will have attracted other clubs but has not given up on keeping the forward at Ewood Park.
The 21-year-old put in another man-of-the-match performance with the opening goal in the 2-0 Premier League win at home to Sunderland on Tuesday night which lifted Rovers six points clear of relegation.
Hoilett's contract expires at the end of the season and despite attempts earlier this season to persuade him to renew it seems likely he will depart in the summer.
Form
A number of clubs have been tracking his progress for 12 months and Kean knows the Canadian's current form, which saw him score both goals in a crucial victory at Wolves in their previous match, is only going to attract more sides.
"I don't think we can prevent that," said the Scot.
"If someone is out of contract, with the way he is playing, week on week there will be more teams.
"We hope we can get ourselves to a position of safety and make him an offer.
"We want him to stay here. He is playing out his skin. If he goes to another club will he play week in week out? I don't know."
Hoilett is revelling in a role behind striker Yakubu, who scored a late second to wrap up first back-to-back Premier League victories for 16 months.
Kean believes that partnership up front could be Rovers' route to survival.
"I think he is excited about playing that position," added the manager.
Problems
"He likes playing wide, especially on the left when he can cut in on his right foot.
"But when he is playing just off the front he has got good feet, good movement and can provide service for Yak and score himself.
"Yakubu and Hoilett are causing all sorts of problems for centre-backs.
"I think it will be hard not to play that partnership because they are scoring goals and putting each other in."
