Sven eyes up Villa

Sven-Goran Eriksson would be interested in making a return to the Barclays Premier League with Aston Villa, according to sources close to the former England coach.

Eriksson has been installed as one of the early frontrunners to replace Martin O'Neill who dramatically quit yesterday after four years in charge.

Sources close to the 62-year-old said: "Of course, Sven would be interested in this job.

"He has always said that he would like to go back into the Premier League. It is a big target for him."

United States coach Bob Bradley has been made the other early favourite by bookmakers with Alan Curbishley, Jurgen Klinsmann and Martin Jol also in the frame.

Eriksson's representative, Athole Still, insisted there has not been any approach from Villa for the Swede, who was in charge of the Ivory Coast during the recent World Cup finals.

Still told Press Association Sport: "There has been no contact from Aston Villa. Sven gets associated with a lot of big jobs but, as we speak, there has been no contact from Aston Villa."

Meanwhile, Villa chief executive, Paul Faulkner, is set to hold a meeting with the club's players later today.

Faulkner will explain to the squad the events of the last 24 hours and Villa's plans for the immediate future until a replacement for O'Neill is found.

Reserve team coach Kevin MacDonald will be in charge for Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener with West Ham at Villa Park.

Club owner Randy Lerner is due back in England in the near future after flying back to America after watching Villa's friendly with Valencia on Friday.