Hughes keeps Magpies option open

Hughes has impressed as Blackburn manager since taking over in 2004

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has refused to rule himself out of the running to become Newcastle's next manager.

Hughes is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed the sacked Sam Allardyce after Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp turned down the Magpies job at the weekend.

Hughes said on Sunday he is happy at Ewood Park, but added: "It's not in my hands, it's in the chairman's hands."

Blackburn chairman John Williams said on Monday there had been "no contact whatsoever" from Newcastle.

Welshman Hughes, 44, was asked after his side's 2-1 win at Bolton whether he would be staying at Blackburn.

He said: "That's a hypothetical question, and I don't answer hypothetical questions.

"I'm proud to be Blackburn Rovers' manager, but in football you can never say never."

"I have support from the chairman (John Williams) and the board. That is something you do not give up lightly.

"The fact is I have continuity here and a good situation. Things are in place and I am very conscious of that."

The former Manchester United and Chelsea striker added: "I am not into self-promotion, but speculation has surrounded me in the past.

"However, I am still Blackburn manager and have a job to do here."