BLACKBURN Rovers were today closing in on the man they want to succeed Graeme Souness as the club's new manager.

John Williams and the Rovers board met yesterday to discuss the merits of all the leading candidates.

And they have now drawn up a short-list of targets which is believed to contain just three names.

The club are refusing to be drawn on the identity of the men in the frame.

But Wales boss Mark Hughes and the Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie are both thought to be in the shake-up.

Hughes is the overwhelming choice of both the players and the fans and Rovers could begin the process of luring him to Ewood as early as this weekend.

The club would have to fork out £250,000 in compensation if they wanted the former Manchester United star, but that is relatively small beer compared to what it might cost to get a manager from another Premiership club.

The one potential stumbling block is Rovers' unwillingness to allow Hughes to carry on as Wales manager on a part-time basis.

Dowie, meanwhile, has emerged as a possible alternative to Hughes.

The former Oldham boss has worked wonders at Crystal Palace, leading the Eagles to promotion from the Football League last season.

Dowie's family still live in the North West and he has yet to sign a new contract with Palace, leaving the way open for a return to the area.

Williams refused to be drawn today on the identity of the targets on the club's hit-list.

But he did say Rovers are confident their next manager will come from one of the names on the list.

"We are delighted with the quality of the applicants and the huge interest the post has created," Williams said in a statement.

"In the space of four days we have reached a position where we are able to move on to phase two and draw up a short list.

"It is absolutely imperative that we get this appointment right and we will take whatever time we feel is necessary.

"Interviewing is a two-way process and we expect to have some detailed discussions over the coming days.

"I trust that everyone will respect and understand that situation and we do not anticipate making any further statements until we are in a position to name our new manager."

In the meantime, Tony Parkes is busy preparing for tomorrow's game with Newcastle United and Rovers' caretaker boss insists the team can get something from their trip to St James' Park.

"I think we can get at them," said Parkes.

"Newcastle have got some good players but defensively they do leak goals and that always gives you a chance.

"So we intend to go there in a positive frame of mind with the intention of winning the game.

"They get a big crowd up there but that can work against them when things aren't going well."

Parkes will hand a recall to Garry Flitcroft and Dominic Matteo is expected to start in the centre of defence, in place of the suspended Lorenzo Amoruso.

David Thompson and Paul Gallagher are not yet fit enough to be included in the squad.