Steve McClaren in frame for Villa job

Steve McClaren is definitely one of the names under consideration for the Villa job as the club today began to finalise their shortlist of candidates.

Steve McClaren is definitely one of the names under consideration for the Villa job as the club today began to finalise their shortlist of candidates.

The Express & Star understands Villa have touched base with a number of their targets for the vacancy – including former England coach McClaren.

Villa owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner will now whittle down the list to those they wish to speak to in person, as they begin the interview process towards the end of the week.

McClaren won the League Cup with Middlesbrough and guided them to a UEFA Cup final before a difficult spell as England boss, which saw the national team fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

The 50-year-old rebuilt his reputation with Dutch outfit Twente Enschede, who he steered to their first Eredivisie title, before he was later sacked by Wolfsburg having moved to Germany's top-flight.

McClaren is said to be keen on a return to Premier League management with Villa and his chances have increased, after former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti ruled himself out of the running as he revealed his intention to take a year-long sabbatical from the game.

Ancelotti had emerged as the fans' choice to take over and his appointment would have been a real statement of ambition by the club, but the Italian has instead opted for a break from frontline management.

[24link]