Aston Villa want to hire Brentford boss Dean Smith as their next manager, according to TalkSport broadcaster Ian Abrahams.
The reliable journalist claimed via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that he has been been told that the 47-year-old ex-Walsall boss is a candidate to replace Steve Bruce in the hotseat at Villa Park.
https://twitter.com/BroadcastMoose/status/1047507811209543681
Sky Sports has recently reported that Bruce has been sacked by Aston Villa after the 3-3 draw with Preston on Tuesday night, however no official confirmation has been made as of yet.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Smith is without doubt one of the best managers in the Championship.
The West Bromwich-born boss almost got Walsall promoted to the second-tier before he was hired by Brentford in 2015, and now he has them looking as though they could go up to the Premier League this season.
Brentford are flying high in fifth place at the moment and have managed to rise to that level without spending anywhere near as much as Villa have done in the last couple of years.
The 47-year-old would be a wonderful appointment for Villa.
This is Futbol rating 10/10
Likely to happen?
Smith was linked with the West Brom job at the end of last season but Brentford managed to stave off the Baggies to keep hold of their manager, even though he hails from the Black Country.
Will Villa be able to pry him away from Griffin Park?
The Bees will put up a tough fight to keep him but Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will surely be willing to pay whatever compensation that is demanded.
This is Futbol rating 8/10