Hughton allowed to speak to Norwich

Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton has been granted permission to speak to Norwich.

The Canaries are in the market for a new boss after Paul Lambert moved to Aston Villa. Hughton has been heavily linked to the managerial vacancy at Blues’ neighbours West Brom, but the 53-year-old is now set for talks at Carrow Road.

A Birmingham statement yesterday read: “Birmingham City FC can confirm that Norwich City FC have made an approach for Chris Hughton with regards to their vacant managerial position. Hughton expressed a wish to speak to the Canaries and permission was reluctantly granted.”

Acting chairman Peter Pannu said: “Chris is a great manager and deserves the opportunity to speak to Norwich.”

Speculation linked both Malky Mackay and Neil Lennon to the vacancy at Carrow Road, but the Canaries have confirmed their move for Hughton, who would be likely to take former Hibs manager Colin Calderwood with him as a member of his backroom team.

A club statement read: “Norwich City can confirm that Birmingham City have granted the club permission to speak to Chris Hughton about the vacant managerial position at Carrow Road.”