Dundee United have made their move for Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Hughes.
The former Hibs and Falkirk boss became a frontrunner to replace Jackie McNamara after it emerged at the start of the week that St Johnstone’s Tommy Wright would be staying in Perth, and other candidates like Mixu Paatelainen and Alan Irvine ruled themselves out.
The news of an official approach by Stephen Thompson for Hughes broke in the Highlands after ICT chairman went public by confirming they had knocked back a request to speak to ‘Yogi’.
Kenny Cameron said: “On behalf of the board of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC I can confirm that Dundee United have, today, requested permission from the club to open discussions with team manager John Hughes.
“The club have stated previously that we wish John to remain with us for this season and beyond.
“This position has not changed and the approach from Dundee United has been rejected.”
Thompson will be anxious to avoid a repeat of the Wright scenario, which is set to end with the Northern Irishman extending his contract at McDiarmid Park over the next few days.
It now remains to be seen whether Hughes is willing to force his current chairman’s hand by informing him he would like to go to Tannadice, or at the very least speak to Thompson about it.