Paul Ince to get Blackburn Rovers job in days
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Paul Ince will be confirmed as the new Blackburn boss within days to finally realise his dream of managing in the Premier League.
The MK Dons chief is on the verge of agreeing a three-year deal to succeed Mark Hughes at Ewood Park. Rovers will give him as much cash as possible from the sales of Roque Santa Cruz and David Bentley to help him keep competitive the side left behind by Hughes.
Santa Cruz, rated at £15million, is a target for Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City. He scored 24 league goals last season.
Bentley, valued at £10m, is also certain to depart having rejected a new contract. He interests Spurs and Liverpool.
Ince landed the job in the face of competition from ex-Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, interviewed by Rovers yesterday.
Former Blackburn striker Alan Shearer turned down a chance to go on the shortlist for the post after being contacted by chairman John Williams.
Mk Dons refused a move for Ince yesterday from Leicester owner Milan Mandaric, who made an official approach last week.
But the Dons, who finished the season as League Two champions, knew they would be powerless to stop Ince from moving to a Premier League club.
Rovers hope to unveil the former Manchester United and England midfielder by the middle of next week, when he would become the first black manager in the Premier League.
Ince came second to Shearer in a poll asking Rovers fans for their thoughts on Hughes's replacement, while Allardyce proved a massive turn-off.
Blackburn believe appointing Ince, who won silverware at United, Liverpool and Inter Milan will prove a decisive factor in luring players, just as it was with Hughes.
A Dons statement yesterday said the club "remains committed to keeping the hottest young manager in English football", but privately the search for Ince's successor has begun.