Bradley confirms interest in Aston Villa job

(GETTY IMAGES)

United States manager Bob Bradley would love the opportunity to take over at Aston Villa - although he has not yet had any contact with the club.

The 52-year-old has been heavily linked with the job since Martin O'Neill left on the eve of the new season.

Asked if he was interested in the job, Bradley told Sky Sports News: "Most definitely. The possibility of working in the Premier League at some point would be a goal for sure.

"There has not been any contact. Everyone knows that for the moment Kevin MacDonald is the caretaker manager and the first step is for a decision to be made with him. He's a good man."

Bradley has impressed many in his time in charge of the USA, although he would be considered a risky option for Villa having never managed outside of his home country.

Should he become the Villa boss, the 52-year-old would link up with compatriot Randy Lerner, the club's chairman.

"I know a lot about Randy Lerner but I do not know him," Bradley told Sky Sports News. "We know him through his ownership with the Cleveland Browns and of course as chairman as Aston Villa.

"I would love to have a discussion and hear more.

"Aston Villa have done a very good job in terms of handling the situation.

"As a manager the first thing you always want to have is respect for other managers.

"I know the reputation Kevin MacDonald has within the club and first things first, (there needs to be a) decision in terms of his future."

MacDonald's own hand was weakened considerably at the weekend by a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle.

Should Villa choose to look beyond the Scot, Bradley faces competition from the likes of Gareth Southgate, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Martin Jol for the post.

Asked why he is keen on the job, the American replied: "It begins with the desire at some point to work in the Premier League.

"I've had a chance to be around different clubs and see the way things go and it's the best league in the world.

"Aston Villa is a tremendous club. They have such a strong following, so that would be a club that I think anyone would have an interest in."

For the moment, Bradley remains contracted to US Soccer.

"The contract runs through the end of the year and it was always agreed following the World Cup both sides would take the time to assess the situation," he said. "There will be further discussions with US Soccer and we'll see what the future holds.

"Like so many others, I will continue to see what opportunities are out there.

"I feel I have the ability to work in Europe and it's something I'd like to do in my career. I'm excited about that possibility whenever it comes and wherever it comes."

Bradley led the United States into the last 16 of this summer's World Cup, where they lost to Ghana in extra time, in a campaign which included a 1-1 draw against England.