City agree compensation deal for Hughes

Manchester City are close to sealing a deal for Mark Hughes to be their next manager after agreeing compensation with Blackburn.

Hughes was given permission to speak to City yesterday after the club indicated they wanted him to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Blackburn are understood to have set a figure of £5m compensation for Hughes and his backroom staff and have now agreed a settlement with City.

The club said in a statement: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm they have reached an agreement with Manchester City on compensation terms for Mark Hughes.

“As a consequence the club have given Manchester City permission to speak to Mark.”

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.”

The Blackburn boss is a wanted man after establishing Rovers as one of the top teams in the country.

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.”