Barry Mullins: Kidd is top of the list for the job

Kidd, who is No.2 to United manager Alex Ferguson, has emerged as Blackburn's chief target to replace Roy Hodgson, who was sacked last month.

But Ferguson himself is keen to hang onto his loyal lieutenant: "We do not want to lose Brian. He is very important to United," he said.

"We have built up an excellent staff and Brian has been a key part."

Kidd was on the scoresheet when United won the European Cup in 1968

United have rejected Rovers' approach for Kidd, who has been Ferguson's right-hand man for almost eight years now.

But Old Trafford chairman Martin Edwards accepts he could be powerless to stop Kidd being tempted to take the step up to managerial level at Ewood Park.

Edwards said: "There is a lot of thinking to be done on both sides.

Neil Bramwell: The job is there if he wants it

"I have told Brian about Blackburn's approach and that we have turned it down. That's all I can do.

"I have no reason to see that stance changing. It is up to Brian now. We will have to see what happens."

Kidd has long been tipped, along with Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson, as a possible successor to Ferguson when the United manager decides to retire.

Leading Manchester journalist David Meek predicts Kidd will leave (5 Live)

And respected Manchester journalist David Meek believes now might be the right time for Kidd to leave Old Trafford:

"He's been cast for long enough as a No.2. I think if eventually he wants to be manager of Manchester United, his CV will look better compared to Bryan Robson, who will be competing for the job, if he goes and has a go at another club."

'One of the world's best coaches'

Former United star Nobby Stiles, who played with Kidd in the 1960s and then worked with him on the coaching staff, believes he would be a big hit at Ewood Park.

"Kiddo is one of the top coaches in the world," Stiles said.

"I worked with him for two years before he stepped up to become assistant manager and I saw at first hand how good he is with the players.

"He's got a great sense of humour and he can make people laugh, even in the most serious moments.

"He's also been everywhere to all the big clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan and Ajax and the great thing about Kiddo is that he is always willing to learn.

"In a way it's nice for him to see that other people want him and appreciate him but Blackburn's gain would definitely be United's loss - I've no doubts about that.