BLACKBURN Rovers top scorer Yakubu will deliver Steve Kean a big blow in his plans of an instant Premier League return – by telling him he wants to leave for top flight football.

The news came as Steve Kean’s future remained shrouded in uncertainty after returning from two days of talks with owners Venky’s this evening.

The poultry giants were remaining tight-lipped as rumours from India grew that they could be looking to move him to a new position or just remove him.

Australian cricketer Brett Lee, who is sponsored by Venky’s caused a stir when he tweeted Kean had been removed as manager but the rumours remained unconfirmed

At the time of going to press, Venky’s and Kean were yet to break their silence, with even staff at Ewood unsure of what was happening.

Yakubu has become a big hit at Ewood Park after scoring 17 goals in his first season for the club, but was still unable to prevent the dreaded drop.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands he has a relegation clause in his contract, which has two years remaining, that would make him available for an estimated £2million.

A number of Premier League clubs, including QPR, Reading and South-ampton, are understood to be tracking ‘the Yak’ and the lure of the Premier League is understood to be too big for him resist.

The Yakubu revelation comes hot on the heels of the news that Junior Hoilett is not expecting to sign a new deal and so will leave the club.

The duo were the key sources of Rovers’ attacking threat last season and would be difficult for Kean to replace ahead of the Championship campaign.

Yakubu arrived at Ewood Park on deadline day in August from Everton for an estimated £1.5m,.

His career had come to a halt, having spent a spell on loan at Championship Leicester, due to injuries and falling out of favour at Goodison Park.

The 29-year-old Nigerian has rolled back the years at Ewood Park though, hitting 17 goals in his own personal crusade to attempt to steer Rovers to safety.

His domestic form has earned him an international recall but sources close to the player now indicate he feels he needs to move on.

Sources have told the Lancashire Telegraph that, while Yakubu has enjoyed his spell in East Lancashire, he has grown increasingly fed up with events behind the scenes.

He also believes he should be playing in the Premier League and is hoping that comes to fruition.