Steve Bruce could be Aston Villa boss in time to take on Wolves next Saturday after Roberto Di Matteo sacking

ASTON VILLA could have Steve Bruce in place as their new manager before next Saturday’s home match against Wolves.

However, the odds-on favourite for the job is facing stiff opposition from current caretaker-boss Steve Clarke.

PA:Press Association

The ex-West Brom chief’s down-to-earth approach and ability as a coach has been noted, particularly this week when he has been in sole charge.

Villa owner Dr Tony Xia let the cat out of the bag yesterday when he tweeted the club had cut their list of potential bosses from 25 to ten, then three.

Bruce is expected to land the job if he interviews well next week — and while he and Clarke are way out in front, Brentford’s Dean Smith is not yet entirely ruled out.

Reuters

PA:Press Association

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Clarke’s down-to-earth approach and ability as a coach has been noted, particularly this week when he has been in sole charge.

That has given Villa chiefs food for thought, however Bruce remains in pole position and is expected to land the job if he interviews well next week.

Huddersfield Town’s German boss David Wagner was ruled out of the running yesterday when the Terriers’ Chairman Dean Hoyle issued a statement to say: “David has told me that he would never leave us for another Championship club, regardless of which club that is.”