Sven for Aston Villa?

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson may have emerged as the favourite for the Aston Villa job.

ESPN reported on Thursday that ex-Manchester City boss Eriksson was interviewed by Villa officials in London this week although the Swede's agent Athole Still has refused to confirm the meeting.

"I am unable to discuss whether or not Sven has met with Villa," Still said.

Reserve-team boss Kevin MacDonald is currently in charge in a caretaker capacity and remains in contention for the job on a permanent basis.

Names such as Alan Curbishley and Ronald Koeman have been rumoured to be in the running, but Eriksson, most recently in charge of the Ivory Coast, may now be the favourite.

Unlike other vacancies at high-profile English clubs in recent seasons, the search for Martin O'Neill's replacement at Villa Park has been marked by a lack of notable candidates for the position.

Another former Manchester City boss, Mark Hughes, would have been a sure-fire favourite, but the Welshman signed with London club Fulham in June.

Former Tottenham manager Martin Jol was also linked with the job, but has since committed his future to Ajax.

USA coach Bob Bradley expressed his interest in the role, but Villa officials made no indication of any interest in the American.

Bradley recently signed a new four year deal that keeps him in charge of the US national team.