Hughes keen on Blackburn position
LONDON, England -- Wales coach Mark Hughes has admitted he is interested in taking over as manager of Blackburn, who have lost Graeme Souness to Newcastle.
Hughes' agent Dennis Roach said the former Welsh international striker has a release clause in his contract.
"Mark has a contract with Wales, which he totally respects, but it has been his ambition to manage in the Premiership," Roach said.
"Blackburn would have to go through the right channels but if they wanted to talk to Mark he would be interested.
"Mark had two great years at Ewood Park as a player so Blackburn is a club which is close to his heart and, therefore, this is the kind of job that would interest him."
The announcement comes after Hughes pledged his commitment to Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign.
Neogtiations may take place between Blackburn and the FAW to see if Hughes can somehow combine the two posts.
Blackburn chief executive John Williams hinted their favoured candidate was currently in a job when he told BBC Radio: "It's a delicate situation."
Hughes' announcement through his agent will put him ahead of Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie in the running.
Dowie is believed to have held off putting pen to paper on a four-year contract offered by Crystal Palace.
Tony Parkes will remain in temporary caretaker charge at Blackburn for Saturday's match against Portsmouth at Ewood Park.
And although Parkes may continue in charge for Blackburn's League Cup tie against Bournemouth on September 22 , they will hope to have the new manager in place before the Premiership trip to Charlton on September 27.
"They want to do it quickly but they won't panic," Parkes said. "We need to clear things up as it's all about the players and the sooner we sort it out the better."
