BLACKBURN Rovers are determined to keep their January transfer plans close to their chest as they bid to add some experience to their youthful squad.

Rovers boss Steve Kean insisted he would not be commenting on potential targets in the build up to the January transfer window or on his transfer kitty, but said he did know his available budget.

Kean refused to confirm or deny whether Ghanian midfielder Stephen Appiah had been on trial at Brockhall, but did say: “I did not see him here.”

He also insisted he was not aware of any issues with the bank and that Monday’s board meeting between him and directors had been scheduled for the past six months.

He said: “I don’t want to say the figure but I am aware of the funds I have. Without going into specific positions we will be looking for a bit of experience. I am not aware of an issues with the banks.

“When you look at the make up of the squad we have enough young players, and I think it is important for the profile of the squad to have a bit of experience. That is what we will be trying to do.

“I always prefer a purchase and I would have loved to have purchased Jermaine Jones in the last window but we could only get him on loan.

“Unfortunately sometimes when you get a good loan and they do well their parent cluib wants them back and you don’t get them. We would prefer to buy but if it is a loan, hopefully a loan with an option to buy.”

Meanwhile Junior Hoilett and Chris Samba are expected to attract bids from Premier League and foreign rivals in January but Kean re-iterated Rovers’ desire to keep their prized assets.

“I would imagine we will get enquiries for our better players but we will resist as much as we can,” said Kean. “We would like to add and progress the squad and try to keep the lads we have together.