MANCHESTER CITY were last night trying to agree a compromise with Blackburn Rovers that would allow Mark Hughes to replace the sacked Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager. Hughes will not come cheap, with four members of his coaching staff expected to follow him, but that will not be a problem for a man of Thaksin Shinawatra's wealth and the City owner hopes to conclude the deal before the end of the week.
Hughes has jumped to the top of City's list after Thaksin reluctantly gave up on Luiz Felipe Scolari due to his exorbitant salary demands and refusal to give a definitive answer before leading Portugal into the European Championship. Persuading Hughes to accept should be more straightforward, although contingency plans have been put in place in case managerless Chelsea gazump the deal. Lines of communication are open to both Roberto Mancini and Frank Rijkaard, who have just left Inter and Barcelona respectively.
Hughes has encouraged City to believe he wants the job, with many bookmakers refusing to take bets last night
Eriksson, meanwhile, is considering a second, improved offer to become Mexico's national coach, although he is waiting to discover whether he has any chance of getting the Chelsea job first.
City are also keeping a close eye on developments at Stamford Bridge, their one concern about Hughes being he might be trying to force Chelsea into pursuing their interest in him. For now, however, they are willing to take him at his word and have been encouraged by the fact he has told Blackburn he wants to leave.
"Mark has made it clear to the board he would like to talk to Manchester City," a statement from Ewood Park read. "In view of this the board have decided reluctantly to give permission subject to terms and conditions acceptable to Blackburn Rovers being agreed with Manchester City in advance."
That could cost City up to £5 million, given that Hughes will want to take his assistant, Mark Bowen, and the coaches, Eddie Niedzwiecki, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges, with him.
The Brazilian striker Jo is expected to follow Hughes, in a deal with CSKA Moscow that could cost close to £20 million, and City hope their four-times player of the season Richard Dunne will change his mind about leaving.
Republic of Ireland international Dunne has a year remaining on his contract and has rejected a new deal because he believes his role as captain entitles him to be City's highest earner, with a weekly salary in the region of £60,000. Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur have offered superior terms and he will make his decision in the next fortnight.
Guardian Service
