Former Aston Villa assistant manager, John Terry, won’t be considered after the sacking of Dean Smith.
Chief exec Christian Purslow sacked Smith in a face-to-face meeting in the wake of Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton.
Saints chief Ralph Hasenhuttl and Danish national team coach Kasper Hjulmand are also on Villa’s radar.
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They are seen as ambitious bosses who can help stop the rot — and fulfil the owners’ dream of returning Villa to the European stage.
But Chelsea great Terry’s lack of experience will prevent Smith’s former No 2 making a return to Villa Park as his replacement, says The Sun.
Villa are 16th in the league — just two points above the relegation zone.
Smith, 50, last month celebrated three years in charge at Villa Park.