PAUL Ince is expected to be named the new manager of Blackburn Rovers this weekend after the Premier League last night agreed to rubberstamp his appoint-ment.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands the Premier League board ARE willing to grant the MK Dons boss a special dispensation to manage in the top-flight, providing he agrees to meet certain conditions.

Under current Premier League legislation, new managers to the league must possess a UEFA Pro-Licence in coaching, which Ince currently does not have.

However, the Premier League board has agreed to make an exception for Ince, as long as he obtains his coaching badges within the next two years.

That means the way is now clear for Rovers to make a formal approach to the MK Dons for the former Manchester United and England star, with a view to installing him as the successor to Mark Hughes.

Chairman John Williams has had to be patient in his search for a new boss but, barring any late hitches, it now appears as though he has finally got his man.

News of Ince's imminent appointment spells disappointment for Michael Laudrup, who now looks certain to miss out on the post, despite impressing Williams in an interview in Zurich earlier this week.

The battle to succeed Hughes in the Ewood Park hot-seat effectively became a two-horse race yesterday morning, when Steve McClaren and Sam Allardyce, the two other candidates on Rovers' shortlist, withdrew from the process.

Ex-England boss McClaren has accepted an offer to become the new manager of Dutch side FC Twente, while Allardyce informed Rovers that he no longer wished to be considered for the post.

McClaren said: "I have accepted a two-year contract to become the new manager of FC Twente in Holland.

"This is an exciting new phase of my managerial career and I can't wait to take up the challenge.

"From the moment I met the club president Mr (Joop) Munsterman and his staff, I knew this was the right club for me.

"My assistant will be Erik ten Hag and I'm very much looking forward to working with him and the players.

"Last season was very exciting for the club having qualified for the third round qualifiers for this season's Champions League.

"It's great to be back in management and I'm relishing the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead."

Allardyce, meanwhile, is believed to have pulled out of the running after accepting that Ince is the man Rovers really want.