Hughes closing in on City deal after Blackburn confirm compensation

Rovers have confirmed they have agreed a compensation package with their
Barclays Premier League rivals.

Hughes is now free to talk to City, who are looking for a new boss following
the departure of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Wanted man: Mark Hughes

In a statement on their website, www.rovers.co.uk, Blackburn said: "Rovers can
confirm they have reached an agreement with Manchester City on compensation
terms for Mark Hughes.

"As a consequence Manchester City have been given permission to speak to
Mark."

Chelsea are also understood to be interested in securing his services and Joe
Royle insists Hughes has the right credentials for either job.

"Mark knows what he wants and he doesn't suffer fools," the former City
manager told Sky Sports News.

"He certainly has the character you would think to go and try one of those big
jobs if he feels it's right.

"But whether he wants to take the chance to move to more volatile clubs like
Chelsea or Manchester City - only Mark can answer that.

"He has a great relationship with Blackburn. It's a lovely club with good
people to work for.

"It's a very safe seat for him as long as he carries on delivering.

"If he leaves Blackburn, it would be with a very heavy heart."

Royle added: "He's done a terrific job - he's made them an established Premier
League side.

"They've challenged for Europe for the last couple of years; they play good
football, they score goals.

"So yes, he's the man of the moment. His team is always motivated; he's a
winner."

Defender Stephen Warnock hopes Hughes rejects City's advances.

The former Liverpool full-back recently signed a new deal to keep him at Ewood
Park for the next four years.

Such has been his good progress the 26-year-old was handed his England debut on
Sunday in the defeat of Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly.

"I signed a new contract under the impression that Mark's going to be our
manager," Warnock told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"It's not that I don't enjoy the club itself but he was the reason I came.

"I wanted to play for him. I respected him as a player and I respect what he's
doing as a manager.

"Fingers crossed he'll stay but obviously if he's given permission to speak to
another club then you just never know what can happen."

Former City director Dennis Tueart claims morale at the club is at "an
all-time low".

He believes the priority for the new manager will be to restore team spirit
both on and off the pitch.

Tueart told BBC Radio Manchester: "I think one of the main things the new
manager will have (to address) is a bunch of players who must be reassured.

"Morale must be at an all-time low not only on the field but behind the
scenes."