Big names linked with Villa job along with Smith

Brentford boss Dean Smith is being touted as a contender to take over at Aston Villa.

Villa are looking for a new manager after sacking Steve Bruce, who was shown the door after a poor start to the season.

Smith, a Villa fan, was initially touted as the favourite to succeed him, having done an excellent job at Griffin Park.

However, his name has since been less prominent amid the speculation over who will take charge at Villa Park.

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The Guardian believe Villa are looking to appoint a big name following Bruce’s exit.

The newspaper say Smith “could also come under consideration” but that “it is questionable whether he is the sort of appointment the owners have in mind.”

The Sun declare former Chelsea man John Terry, who played for Villa last season, as the favourite for the job.

Ex-Arsenal star Thierry Henry, Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca, former England manager Sam Allardyce and Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers are also said to be among the possible contenders.