Palace manager Iain Dowie appears to be going nowhere for the time being, after Blackburn were granted permission by the Welsh FA to speak to Wales manager Mark Hughes.
Speculation had been growing since the weekend that Dowie could ‘do a Bruce’ and leave Palace after just a few months for the vacant Rovers’ hotseat.
Although the man himself never indicated any interest in the post, Blackburn were reportedly very keen in snapping up Palace’s inspirational young manager.
However, the Football Association of Wales has confirmed that former Man United striker Hughes is now free to enter discussions with Rovers.
The announcement should lead to the appointment of Hughes, and thus draw a line under the possibility of Dowie going to Ewood Park. But the confusion over the Eagles manager’s contract lingers on.
Although Dowie agreed the terms of a new four-year deal last month, it’s still unclear whether he has yet put pen to paper. Until he does, the speculation over his Palace future will continue.