McClaren, 47, has been out of work since failing to qualify England for Euro 2008 and is keen for an opportunity to return to football management.

Having recently been linked with Dutch club FC Twente, McClaren told BBC Radio 5 Live he would consider Ewood Park following Hughes' defection to Manchester City. "Of course that would interest me," said the former Middlesbrough manager.

"Unfortunately what happened with England was a huge failure but I want to get back into management."

McClaren conceded he had not been approached by Blackburn, who have set no time limit on finding Hughes' replacement.

Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and MK Dons manager Paul Ince have also been linked with the job.