Samba was quoted in French newspaper L'equipe detailing his dissatisfaction with the Venky's ownership regime and his desire to move on, while the audacious move for two-time world player of the year Ronaldinho now looks set to end in failure.

After some mixed messages about Rovers' interest in the AC Milan playmaker, Anuradha Desai, chairman of Venky's, went public with their plans to sign the 30-year-old on a £20million-plus three-year contract.

Reports emanating from Italy now suggest a move back to Brazil is the most likely option, with Gremio reportedly close to sealing a deal.

Kean said: "I don't know how likely it is to happen but over the last 24 hours it's become less likely than likely.

"I'm hearing he may want to go back to Brazil, but I don't know if anybody can afford him there.

"When we spoke with the owners we said if there was a potential marquee player - and there are four or five that spring to mind and two have been mentioned in Ronaldinho and David Beckham - we would love to have them here," he said.

"If we can get solid, reliable foundations and then sprinkle a little bit of magic on top of that then fantastic, but it certainly comes from a solid base.

"Trying to bring someone of that calibre to the club is fantastic and shows our intention to be active in this transfer market."

Samba, meanwhile, has expressed his dismay at Venky's handling of matters at the club and believes it is now time to leave.

``This is my fifth season here. I've had ups and downs but today I don't want to waste any more time,'' the centre-back told L'Equipe ahead of his likely return to thethe side against Liverpool at Ewood Park tomorrow.

``New owners have arrived, they have fired the coach (Sam Allardyce) when he saved us from relegation two years ago.

``The least they could have done is come to us and explain their project.

``They haven't done that, it's a lack of respect. I don't want to be part of it.''

Despite the talk surrounding Samba and Ronaldinho, Kean insists it is two of Liverpool's players who will be dominating his thinking ahead of tonight's match.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are both expected to be on duty and despite not always firing this term, Kean remains wary.

"Both are quality players and sometimes, just through fatigue or a little bit of lack of form, they have not produced," he said. "But we know what they can produce on their day.

"If you can stop those two playing it is a big part of their team as they have an almost telepathic connection.

"Liverpool have had a difficult season but Roy Hodgson's a quality manager. I watched the Wolves game (which Liverpool lost 1-0) and they struggled, but confidence will come back into the team with that late goal against Bolton."