Mark Hughes in the running to replace David Moyes at Everton

Former striker refuses to rule himself out of the running

QPR manager Mark Hughes (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Hughes today refused to rule himself out of a return to Everton, should David Moyes become Manchester United's new manager.

The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson after 26 years at Old Trafford seems likely to set in motion a series of managerial changes, the first of which is expected to see Moyes arrive from the Toffees.

Hughes, who has not managed since being sacked by QPR in November, stopped short of directly throwing his hat into the ring for a vacancy that is not yet open but appeared interested.

Hughes played for Everton between 2000 and 2002.

"It's not happened yet but it's obvious if one manager leaves there is an opportunity for other managers who are currently out of work, which includes myself," he told Sky Sports News. "It (Everton) is a great club, a club I had the fortune to play for and I really enjoyed my time there.

"Whoever gets that opportunity it is a really big club and really big shoes to fill.

"It's an opportunity for somebody and I back myself for most jobs in the Premier League.

"It's a big job, there's only 20 jobs available and everybody wants to work in the Premier League."

PA