Burnley boss Sean Dyche is in the frame for the vacant manager's job at Aston Villa, sources have told ESPN FC.
Villa are searching for a new manager after sacking Tim Sherwood on Sunday following eight months in charge at Villa Park. Sherwood was axed 24 hours after Villa's 2-1 defeat to Swansea which was their sixth successive loss to leave Villa rooted to the bottom of the table.
A host of names have been linked with the vacancy to replace Sherwood, and Dyche who figures prominently on their wanted list.
Dyche is regarded as one of the best young managers in the country after impressing at Watford and Burnley.
The 44-year-old guided Burnley to the Premier League in the 2013-14 season, but was unable to keep them in the top flight.
Dyche has helped Burnley regroup this season and they look well-placed to challenge for promotion back to the Premier League with the Clarets currently in third spot in the Championship.
Dyche came close to landing the Sunderland job in the summer only for Dick Advocaat to do a U-turn and remain in charge at the Stadium of Light.
Regarded as one of the most innovative young managers in the country, Dyche has impressed Villa's hierarchy with the job he has done at Burnley working on tight budget constraints.
Another potential candidate being linked with the vacancy is former Lyon coach Remi Garde.
L'Equipe reports that the 49-year-old had been due to commentate on Sunday's Manchester derby for Canal Plus but was replaced at the last minute.
ESPN FC's France correspondent Mark Rodden contributed to this report