Fulham are set to announce Mark Hughes as their new manager to replace Roy Hodgson after the two parties are said to have agreed terms.

The former Wales international and Blackburn and Manchester City manager has been out of work since being sacked as City manager in December 2009.

Hodgson left Fulham earlier in July to manage Liverpool.

It is also understood that Hughes has been able to bring his former backroom staff from Manchester City, including Mark Bowen as his assistant, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwiecki.

Further speculation involves moves to Craven Cottage for out-of-favour trio Craig Bellamy, Stephen Ireland and Roque Santa Cruz.

Hughes began his managerial career with Wales in 1999, taking them to the brink of qualification for Euro 2004, only to denied by a play-off loss to Russia.

In 2004, he took the helm at Blackburn and guided them to an FA Cup semi-final and also a place in the Uefa Cup.

He was appointed by City in 2008 but the club’s change of ownership and hugely increased budget and level of expectation meant he only had 18 months in the job before he was replaced by Roberto Mancini.

Fulham had attempted to recruit Ajax coach Martin Jol but were forced to look elsewhere when the Dutch club refused to let the former Tottenham manager leave.

Once he is appointed Hughes’s first task is expected to be a trip to Fratton Park on Saturday to watch a pre-season friendly between Fulham and Portsmouth.

Jon Osterland