Mick McCarthy is shock Villa candidate

Former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today emerged as a shock candidate for the vacant Villa manager's position after contact with chief executive Paul Faulkner.

The Express & Star can reveal that McCarthy, who is on holiday in Florida at the moment, had a telephone conversation with Faulkner late last night as Villa started to widen their search to replace Alex McLeish, who was sacked by owner Randy Lerner earlier this week.

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on McCarthy replacing McLeish in the Villa Park hot-seat from 25-1 to 11-8 favourite, although the claret and blues have yet to formally interview any potential candidates.

Villa fans have reacted with alarm to speculation linking them with another manager tainted by relegation so soon after McLeish.

But it is understood McCarthy has been admired from within the Villa hierarchy for some time for his ability to recruit young and hungry players on a relatively low budget.

McCarthy has been out of work since he was sacked by Wolves in February after five-and-a-half years at Molineux and has turned down opportunities at Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town in a bid to secure a return to a Premier League club.

The 53-year-old would appeal to some of the senior figures in the Villa dressing room including defender Richard Dunne, who was handed his Ireland debut by McCarthy, and goalkeeper Shay Given having worked with both at international level.

Should he land the job McCarthy would also be in a prime position to cherry-pick the best players from Wolves' squad following their relegation, including winger Matt Jarvis and striker Steven Fletcher.

Other possible job contenders include Norwich's Paul Lambert and Wigan's Roberto Martinez.

Faulkner revealed his phone has been "going non-stop". "I think there's an awful lot of reasons you would want to come to Villa," said Faulkner.

"Our stadium is one of the best in the country, we have a fantastic owner who loves the club , the club's history, the fans are phenomenal – why would you not want to come here?"