FULHAM are desperately trying to thrash out a new deal today that keeps Mark Hughes as manager - even though the Whites boss is on holiday.
Sparky's representatives are hopeful of negotiating a lucrative new contract for the 47-year-old at Craven Cottage, and Chronicle Sport understands Aston Villa - 11/10 favourites to make Hughes their next manager - have yet to make their move, officially or unofficially.
The man who took the club to a heady eighth in the Premiership in his first season, became a free agent this week as part of his rolling contract arrangement that further muddies the waters.
But the Whites are willing to go the extra mile over a new package and avoid Europa League plans being thrown into disarray when the squad report back for early duty in just over two weeks.