FORMER Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is plotting a return to football - possibly as the next manager of Blackburn Rovers.

The ex-Wanderers chief has been out of work since he got fired by Newcastle United in January this year following a stormy eight months in the St James' Park hotseat.

However, the 53-year-old is thought to be keen on a swift return to Premier League management, and the Lancashire Telegraph understands he has already sounded Rovers out - via a third party - about the possibility of succeeding Mark Hughes, should the Welshman leave Ewood Park for Manchester City.

Allardyce achieved phenomenal success during his eight-year spell at the Reebok, successfully leading Wanderers from the old First Division to the higher echelons of the Premier League on a shoestring budget.

Since then, his reputation has been tarnished by a less than impressive spell at Newcastle, which resulted in the sack earlier this year.

However, the former Preston defender, who still has strong links in the North West, could still emerge as a possible contender for the Rovers job should Hughes decide to bring the curtain down on his own four-year reign.

City have made a formal approach for Hughes and Rovers have reluctantly granted them permission to talk, provided the Blues meet their compensation demands