Hughton set for Norwich talks

Chris Hughton: Has been given permission by Birmingham to talk to Norwich City

Birmingham have given Norwich City permission to speak to Chris Hughton regarding their vacant manager's position.

Amid growing speculation regarding the former Newcastle boss, Sky Bet had earlier suspended betting on the 53-year-old moving to Carrow Road.

Norwich find themselves without a manager after Paul Lambert left to join Aston Villa last weekend.

The Canaries have moved quickly in order to replace the Scot, with Hughton now poised to meet Canaries officials to discuss terms.

A statement from the Canaries on Twitter read: "@NorwichCityFC can confirm we have been granted permission by @bcfcdotcom to speak to their manager Chris Hughton."

Reluctantly granted

A statement released on Birmingham's official website read: "Birmingham City FC can confirm that Norwich City FC 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."

Birmingham's acting chairman Peter Pannu added: "Chris is a great manager and deserves this opportunity to speak to Norwich which is why we have granted him permission to speak to them."

Hughton, who only joined Birmingham last summer, was widely believed to be a contender for the vacant manager's position at West Brom.

The former Republic of Ireland defender led the Blues to fourth place in the Championship, but lost to Blackpool in the play-off semi-finals.

He began his managerial career at Newcastle, guiding them to the Championship title in 2010.