Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is Aston Villa's top managerial target to replace doomed Roberto Di Matteo, according to a report.
The Italian coach, who only took over in the summer, is expected to make way in the next 48 hours after making a poor start to life at Villa Park.
Villa chiefs are said to have already begun their search for a new manager, with Johnson earmarked as their first-choice recruit following his fine work at Championship level with the Robins this calendar year.
It is claimed by The Sun that Steve Bruce, without a club since departing Hull City in July, is also in the frame to take over, but Johnson's ability to work with a tighter budget makes him the favourite to land the job.
Villa have picked up just one victory in their first 11 games since dropping down to the second tier, with the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End on Saturday leaving the West Midlands outfit in 19th place.
Daniel Lewis
