Sven-Goran Eriksson has left Manchester City less than a year after joining the Premier League side. The vacancy has paved the way for mark Hughes, who has been given permission to speak to the Eastlands club.

A statement on City's website ( www.mcfc.co.uk) said the 60-year-old Swede had parted company with the club by mutual consent.
   
"The Board of Directors and all at Manchester City would like to thank Sven for his efforts and contributions throughout the season and we wish him all the best for the future," City's chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said in the statement.
   
"Sven remains a friend of the club."
   
Despite steering City to a creditable ninth place in the Premier League, the former Benfica, Lazio and England coach had come under pressure from Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra after a poor second half to the season.
   
His last competitive game in charge was an 8-1 humiliation at Middlesbrough on the last day of the season but despite that result Eriksson remained popular with the fans.
   
"I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much indeed and in particular, I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support over the season," Eriksson said in the joint statement.
   
"I wish the club, and everyone associated with it, much success in the coming years."

Rovers, meanwhile, confirmed on their website ( www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk) that they had been approached by their fellow Premier League club after Eriksson's departure.

"Mark has made it clear to the Board that he would like the opportunity to talk to Manchester City," a Rovers statement said.
   
"In view of this we have decided to reluctantly give permission subject to terms and conditions."

It is 13 years since Hughes wore the famous red shirt of Manchester United for the 467th and final time and his name is still instantly synonymous with Old Trafford.  He remains one of the most plausible replacements for Alex Ferguson when the Scot eventually calls time on his career.

Members of the City hierarchy are playing down talk of Hughes being appointed within hours, pointing out the Welshman is not the only man Thaksin is interested in and meaningful negotiations have yet to take place.