Blackman has scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for Motherwell

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is happy for striker Nick Blackman to extend his loan at Fir Park, according to Motherwell interim boss Gordon Young.

Blackman's loan spell is nearing an end as the Scottish Premier League club continue to search for a new manager.

But Young said of the 21-year-old: "I've already spoken to Steve Kean.

"He has intimated they would look to re-sign him and they would have no objection to loaning him back to Motherwell. He is keen to stay here."

Blackman, who has scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for Motherwell since joining them in August, is due to return to Ewood Park after the New Year derby away to Hamilton.

I think Motherwell would be keen to have him Motherwell caretaker manager Gordon Young

A decision about whether that would be extended has been made more difficult by managerial upheaval at both clubs.

Sam Allardyce was surprisingly sacked by Blackburn's new owners, who subsequently handed caretaker Kean, their Scottish first-team coach, the job full-time.

Craig Brown and assistant Archie Knox resigned from Motherwell to take over at Aberdeen.

Several leading candidates ruled themselves out of the running to replace them, but the Fir Park board are expected to appoint former Bradford manager Stuart McCall on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the end to Blackman's loan deal has been approaching along with the short-term contracts handed to forward Alan Gow and Marc Fitzpatrick.

"Dialogue has been struck," said Young. "How far down the road we are, I'm not sure, but the fact we're talking is positive."

Of Blackman, the caretaker boss added: "I think Motherwell would be keen to have him."

Blackman began his career at Macclesfield before joining Blackburn in January 2009.

He then had loan spells with Blackpool and Oldham Athletic before finding his scoring touch with Motherwell.

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