Mark Hughes Is the Most Wanted Man in Football

During the last few days, Mark Hughes has become the most wanted man in football. Avram Grant's sacking brought about rumors suggesting he would be offered the Chelsea job—rumors I was surprised to hear.

Then yesterday, as Sven-Goran Eriksson was dismissed, he reportedly asked to speak to them.

And, of course, Blackburn will be desperate to keep hold of him. In a few years he will be linked with the vacant Manchester United job as well.

So why has he suddenly become such hot property? I always thought he was a good manager, but I would've never put him in the same class as Frank Rijkaard and Roberto Mancini. These managers are now actually behind him in the race to be Chelsea boss, according to the bookies.

Apparently it's now a two-horse race between Mark Hughes and an overseas manager.

Well, the former Wales boss has achieved a 43.61 win percentage—an impressive figure for a mediocre club in the best league in the world.

He has been in charge for four years at Blackburn, which nowadays is quite a long time. He was in charge of Wales from 1999 to 2004.

He transformed Wales from an awful national side to a team fighting for a place in Euro 2004, defeated only by Russia in the playoffs despite beating Italy en route.

He then joined Blackburn, and immediately set out crafting a formidable team. He signed the likes of Benni McCarthy, Ryan Nelson, Roque Santa Cruz, and Christopher Samba for under £6 million. All these players have been successes at Ewood Park.

His shrewdness in the transfer market has often been compared to that of Arsene Wenger, perhaps a reason the top clubs are after him.

As a player he proved capable of winning trophies and, although he hasn't won any silverware yet as a manager, it seems to be a matter of time. Particularly if he were to go to Stamford Bridge.

If he were to go to London he would carry on his trend of managing sides he used to play for, after playing for and managing both Wales and Blackburn.

With Man City, Chelsea, and Blackburn slugging it out for Hughes' services it seems unlikely that he will stay long enough to honor his contract with them.

It will be a risk for Hughes whichever club he chooses. Lacklustre seasons for either Chelsea or City under his management, and you can bet that their respective owners will get rid of him straight away.

Then again, this opportunity doesn't come along too often. Hughes has said that Chelsea has to come and get him if they want him, and it looks like they do.

So, the bad news for Blackburn fans is that you've probably seen Mark Hughes' last game with your club. The bad news for the rest of us is that whoever he goes on to manage will be a force to be reckoned with.