Blackburn Rovers have "reluctantly" given boss John Eustace permission to speak to another Championship club about their managerial vacancy after he asked to do so.
Derby sacked Paul Warne on Friday and made an approach to speak to Eustace on Sunday.
Rovers said in a statement they were "extremely disappointed by Eustace's request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season".
Derby are 22nd in the Championship, 17 points behind sixth-placed Rovers.
"With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the board and ownership feel the club are in good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season," the Blackburn statement added., external
"With the squad bolstered, key players returning from injury and Rovers currently in a strong position in the Championship, the club and players remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome this season."
Eustace, 45, who had two spell with Derby as a player said he had found out the club had made an approach to speak to him after his side's FA Cup defeat by Premier League Wolves on Sunday.
He told BBC Radio Lancashire at the time he would "have to chat with the owners and see what's happened".
