But Fulham are now close to unveiling Hughes as their new man despite Sven Goran Eriksson's emergence as a contender.
Hughes has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester City last year but is highly-rated in the game.
Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed is keen to sustain Fulham's progress after they went all the way to the Europa League final last season.
Hughes, who initially impressed at City after fine work at Blackburn, is keen to return to management and views Fulham as an ideal post.
However, with just over two weeks until the start of the season, he will have to work quickly in the transfer market if he wants to rebuild their squad.
Source: Daily Mail