Ten Cate delays signing Panathinaikos post in hope of getting Blackburn job

The Dutchman verbally agreed a two-year contract with Panathinaikos last week following his recent sacking as Chelsea's assistant manager.

However, the former Ajax coach and assistant to Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona delayed signing for the Greek club in the hope of speaking to Blackburn chairman John Williams, according to the Guardian.

I've got the knowledge: Henk ten Cate gets his message across to Chelsea boss Avram Grant during his time at the Bridge

Ten Cate was on the shortlist drawn up by the Rovers board last week and Williams' journey to Europe yesterday has strengthened his claims on the job, although MK Dons manager Paul Ince, Dick Advocaat and Henning Berg have all been linked with Ewood Park since Hughes joined Manchester City.

Ten Cate is involved in a pay-off dispute with Chelsea and the west London club's insistence that he cannot work immediately in England as part of his severance terms may prejudice his chances of getting the job. Williams has set a deadline of the end of this week to make an appointment.

Williams' deadline would also impinge on Ince's prospects of making the leap from MK Dons.

Ince does not have the Uefa Pro Licence that is required to manage in the Premier League, but is currently observing a coaching course at Aberystwyth University in the hope of convincing league officials of his determination to obtain the qualification.

Blackburn could still appoint Ince if they present "a compelling case" for his appointment to the Premier League board.

However, both Steve McClaren and Sam Allardyce, who have been interviewed by Williams, can start immediately.

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