MARK Hughes has emerged as a leading candidate - along with former Scotland international chief Craig Brown and ex-England international boss Peter Taylor - to land the manager's role at Preston North End.

And if Hughes (pictured) takes over at Deepdale this summer it could spend the end of his role as Wales' chief.

Hughes currently combines his international duties with a playing role at Preston's close neighbours and rivals Blackburn Rovers.

Former Wales international boss Bobby Gould has also been linked with a possible move to Deepdale.

It is understood Brown, who stepped down from his post last October, sat down with the Preston North End board on Tuesday) to discuss a possible future with the Lilywhites. Preston told The Argus they had cut a mammoth 50-name list to just five potential candidates - to replace David Moyes, - who made a shock move to Everton, but refused to name them.

But it is understood Hughes, Brown and Taylor are in contention while other possible candidates include former Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson and ex-Manchester City chief Joe Royle.

Hughes has had an illustrious career, making 345 appearances at former club Manchester United and enjoying spells abroad and at Southampton and Everton. This season he won a Worthington Cup winners' medal following Rovers' 2-1 win against Spurs in Cardiff.

Wrexham born Hughes, 39, who replaced Gould in the Wales camp, was awarded the MBE for his services to the game in 1998.

Hughes arrived at Blackburn Rovers in October 2000, from Everton, signing an 18-month contract.