Birmingham City have confirmed that manager Chris Hughton has been cleared for talks with Norwich City over becoming the Premier League club's new boss.

It came to light this morning that the Championship club had given Hughton the green light to speak to the Canaries after the former Newcastle United coach expressed his desire to meet the club.

Brimingham released a statement, which said: "Norwich City 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."

Blues chairman Peter Pannu added: "Chris is a great manager and deserves the opportunity to speak to Norwich, which is why we have granted him permission to speak to them."

Hughton is expected to replace Paul Lambert at the helm following the Scotsman's departure to Aston Villa.