48 hours for Blues to hijack Hughes

Hughes has support among some of the Chelsea hierarchy and is favoured by the fans but owner Roman Abramovich is worried about his lack of top-club managerial experience.

Chelsea have been linked with a number of leading coaches including Carlo Ancelotti, Frank Rijkaard, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Roberto Mancini and Guus Hiddink, but the majority of supporters want Hughes.

The 44-year-old, who helped the club win the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup as a player between 1995-98, has already been given permission by Blackburn to talk to Manchester City.

The ambitious Welshman would prefer a dream return to Stamford Bridge but so far there has been no approach.

Chelsea supporters bombarded the club's television station on a phone-in last week demanding Hughes be appointed, and a poll of more than 500 fans on website cfcnet.co.uk has the former striker gaining 32 per cent of the vote with former Barcelona manager Rijkaard a distant second on 15 per cent.

But the wishes of the fans are in danger of being ignored unless Chelsea act quickly.

Hughes is believed to have the backing of chief executive Peter Kenyon, who met with Abramovich and other members of the hierarchy last night for further discussions on Avram Grant's replacement.

Yet Abramovich is believed to favour the experience and credentials of the likes of Scolari, Ancelotti and Mancini, while Hiddink's name continues to be linked despite his constant denials.

It has been reported that the Russian multi-billionaire has also sought the advice of England coach Fabio Capello and has subsequently been told to put Portugal coach Scolari in charge.

However, Manchester City's move for Hughes has forced Chelsea's hand into deciding whether to take a risk on him.

He has impressed in his previous role as national manager of Wales and in turning Blackburn into a force in the top flight, but doubts remain whether he can handle the pressure of expectations at Chelsea as well as the egos in the dressing room.

It cost Grant his job, despite Chelsea narrowly missing out on the Premier and Champions League.

Blackburn want £5million in compensation for Hughes' services, but City are looking the most likely to lure him away from Ewood Park.