Tuesday 24 May 2016 07:26, UK
Blackburn Rovers have approached Manchester United for permission to speak to their U21 manager Warren Joyce about the vacant managerial position at Ewood Park, according to Sky sources.
Rovers are searching for a new boss after Paul Lambert decided to step down following the final Sky Bet Championship game of the season against Reading.
Neil Warnock has been linked with the position following his decision not to extend his stay at Rotherham United, but it appears Blackburn have now turned their attention to Joyce.
Joyce, 51, made over 600 appearances as a midfielder with Bolton, Preston, Plymouth Argyle, Burnley and Hull.
He had a spell as player-manager with the Tigers before departing the club in 2000 and he also spent two seasons in Belgium as coach of Royal Antwerp.
Joyce moved on to Manchester United in 2008 and managed the U21 side along with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before taking sole charge in December 2010, guiding them to their third U21 Premier League title in four seasons this term.
He recently survived the Academy reshuffle at Old Trafford that saw U18 manager Paul McGuinness depart the club, but his future is likely to be in Jose Mourinho's hands.
Joyce is keen to make the step up to manage at a higher level, although he wishes to know where he fits into Mourinho's plans before making a final decision. It is thought United will not stand in Joyce's way if he wishes to leave, but will defer the final decision to Mourinho.
