Domingos Paciencia stakes Aston Villa claim but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer odds-on

Ex-Braga boss Domingos Paciencia today emerged as one of several candidates who have stated their interest in the vacant Villa manager's job.

The 43-year-old led Braga to the 2011 Europa League final and was most recently in charge of Sporting Lisbon but was sacked by them in February after they fell well behind Benfica in the Portuguese title race.

Paciencia appeared to fit the young and hungry manager profile Villa are looking for and his coaching credentials were recommended to Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner who agreed to consider his application for the job.

However, it is understood by the Express & Star that Paciencia, who managed Porto's B team while Jose Mourinho was in charge of the club, is some way down the list of prospective replacements for Alex McLeish.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains the favourite for the position and the odds on him taking over at Villa Park tumbled to around 1/8 last night amid rumours on Twitter that the Norwegian had been appointed by the club.

Villa officials maintained that the interview process is still ongoing and will resume when American owner Randy Lerner is back in the country with Norwich's Paul Lambert and Wigan's Roberto Martinez among the significant contenders.

And former Manchester United striker Solskjaer admitted he still hasn't heard from Villa.

"Players want to be on the highest possible level and it's the same with me as manager," he said.

"It may well be that two, three names will sound more interesting than mine and then maybe the mood turns.

"There was some suggestion I had turned them down and all sorts of things. I do not know who they are considering and what they are going to do. I do not go and check the phone to see if they have called me. They will take the time they need."

* Villa goalkeeper Shay Given picked up a knee injury during training with Ireland yesterday but it was not considered serious and he should be fit in time for Euro 2012.