The search for the new Aston Villa manager isn’t going to plan so far.
Two of the leading candidates, Thierry Henry and Rui Faria, have both reportedly rejected the role, leaving Aston Villa’s shortlist that bit shorter.
However, there is a new name on that list now, according to Telegraph journalist Matt Law.
He claims that Villa are looking to bounce back from the double blow by speaking to other candidates quickly, and that includes Benfica B manager Bruno Lage.
Villa to react quickly to double blow by trying to speak to Dean Smith and other candidates. Bruno Lage mentioned by Portugese sources #avfc https://t.co/YA7J1dgtOE
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) October 10, 2018
His report claims that sources in Portugal have told him that Villa want to speak to Lage, 42, who was assistant to Carlos Carvalhal at Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.
John Terry is reportedly still in the frame for a coaching job but the new manager will not be forced to employ him.
OPINION
Aston Villa fans will be rolling their eyes round about now. Lage isn’t the sort of name they want to see at the club. Villa were looking for a star name and it seems that they can’t find one. But surely they can rustle up better than a man who was assistant at a team that was relegated last season? Dean Smith is the favourite now with Terry as his number two. But interestingly, that doesn’t look as locked on now, with Law saying that Villa would like Terry in a coaching role, but won’t force their choice on their new manager. That will help find a candidate – managers generally like to pick their own number two and not have one foisted on them. At least Villa seem to be seeing sense with regard to that. However, as usual, a high-profile manager hunt is being played out in the media and it’s not making Aston Villa look good.