Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has been given permission to hold talks with Manchester City following Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure.

Eriksson has left City by mutual consent after weeks of speculation about his future.

Within hours, Blackburn gave City permission to hold talks with Hughes about the vacancy.

A Blackburn statement read: "Mark has made it clear to the board he would like the opportunity to talk to Manchester City.

"In view of this, the board have decided reluctantly to give him permission, subject to terms and conditions acceptable to Blackburn being agreed with Manchester City in advance."

Eriksson left City after less than a year in charge.

The former England boss made a perfect start to his first season in the Premier League by guiding the team to victory in each of their first three fixtures.

They beat Manchester United home and away and he proved popular with the club's fans.

But it became clear the club's owner Thaksin Shinawatra was unhappy with City's final league position of ninth.

City's chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh said: "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. Sven remains a friend of the club."

City have qualified for the Uefa Cup through the Fair Play League, but that was not good enough for Shinawatra.

Eriksson said: "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. I wish the club, and everyone associated with it, much success in the coming years."

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