While Fulham still wish for Hughes to continue in his role, he is technically no longer their manager after a contract deadline passed.
As Fulham officials desperately tried to convince the 47-year-old to stay and further talks are planned with the board a June 1 break clause in his brief one-year contract kicked in.
Where now? Mark Hughes' future is uncertain after his contract expired
Aston Villa is a natural new home for Hughes after Gerard Houllier left the club, but there are believed to be other options available for the Welshman.
While it is not inconceivable that a change of heart will see him stay at Craven Cottage, Hughes wants to further his career after an impressive season when he took Fulham to eighth and qualified for the Europa League through the Fair Play table.
On the up: Fulham had an impressive season, eventually finishing eighth
Houllier left Villa Park after a nine-month stay that has netted him around ?5m more than ?150,000 per match. The Frenchman, 63, had argued his case to stay on as manager. He produced medical evidence that he claimed proved he would be fit to return in September.
However, Villa owner Randy Lerner believed keeping Houllier was too risky after a five-month lay-off following the turmoil caused by his manager's heart scare.
No return: Gerard Houllier has left Aston Villa following his heart scare
Houllier, whose original three-year deal was worth about ?8m, eventually accepted an offer believed to be around ?2.5m.?
This was less than half what he would have been due had he been sacked, but much improved on the figure he would have received had he left on medical grounds.
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Source: Daily Mail