City To Hang Onto Dunne As Eriksson Goes?

Eriksson: "I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much indeed and in particular, I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support over the season.

"I wish the club - and everyone associated with it - much success in the coming years."

Eriksson's departure had been inevitable for a couple of months. The Swede demanded talks over his future following the season-ending 8-1 hammering at Middlesbrough.

Blackburn boss and former Manchester United favourite Mark Hughes is emerging as a live contender for the job, with some reports claiming the Ewood Park hierarchy have already given their consent for talks.

Hughes is a big fan of Dunne, and is sure to want to keep hold of City's best assets before moving into the transfer market himself.