Blackburn Rovers have made an official approach to Manchester United to request permission to speak to their Under-21 coach, Warren Joyce, about the managerial vacancy at Ewood Park.

Paul Lambert stepped down as Blackburn manager at the end of the season after activating a clause a release clause in his contract and the Lancashire club, who finished 15th in the Championship, are busy searching for a replacement.

Blackburn’s request to speak to Joyce is currently under consideration by United’s hierarchy, who are understood to be reluctant to lose the highly-regarded coach but also recognise the opportunity being presented to him.