Warnock says he joined Blackburn to play for Hughes (Getty)

Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock hopes current manager Mark Hughes stays at the club after speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

The full-back recently signed a new deal to keep him at Ewood Park for the next four years.

"I signed a new contract under the impression that Mark's going to be our manager," the 26-year-old told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I'm happy to be at the club because I'm enjoying playing for the manager."

Rovers have "reluctantly agreed" to let Hughes hold talks with City after the Welshman expressed an interest in taking the now vacant job at Eastlands, following Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure.

Warnock added "It's not that I don't enjoy the club itself but he was the reason I came to the club. I wanted to play for him. I respected him as a player and I respect what he's doing as a manager."

"Fingers crossed he'll stay but obviously if he's given permission to speak to another club then you just never know what can happen" said Warnock.