Former Manchester United and England star Paul Ince took a step closer to being named as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers on Friday.

The board of the English Premier League are understood to have given the green light to the 40-year-old's appointment as long as Ince gains his UEFA Pro coaching Licence within the next two years.

The decision removes the last remaining obstacle in the way of Blackburn offering the job to the current MK Dons manager to take over from Mark Hughes who has left for Manchester City.

The Press Association reported that Rovers were informed of the Premier League's decision in writing on Friday afternoon, but were told the agreement was only given on the basis that the club guarantees Ince gets his qualifications within the two-year period of time.

The decision was made that much easier by the League Managers' Association (LMA) saying they would have no objections were he to be offered the job.

Former Bolton and Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has withdrawn himself from the race.