Cotterill a candidate for Hull City

The 45-year-old steered Notts County to the League Two title last term but left shortly afterwards.

He is wanted by Portsmouth but is understood to have held talks with the Tigers, who sources in the Midlands claim are on the verge of selling Steven Mouyokolo to Wolverhampton Wanderers for 2.5m.

Paul Hart is another believed to have discussed the possibility of succeeding Phil Brown as City's permanent manager, though there was speculation in London last night that the former Portsmouth chief could be unveiled as the new man in charge of Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have pledged to name their new manager this afternoon with Hart, who kept the club up on the final day last season, in the running along with Gareth Southgate, Chris Coleman and former Palace favourite Dougie Freedman.