Aston Villa cult hero being lined up for top-flight job, approach already made

Former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is being lined up for the Malmo job say reports in the Swedish media.

The Swedish champions recently sacked Magnus Pehrsson after a poor run of results.

Fotboll Direkt report contact has been made with Mellberg with regards to taking the vacant Malmo post. The Aston Villa cult hero had some success coaching Brommapojkarna for two seasons, which has opened up the chance to manage one of Sweden’s top clubs.

However, the only concern is Mellberg doesn’t have his pro license, but a special exemption may be granted.

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Mellberg had a playing career which spanned 18 years, but it was his time at Aston Villa which he will be best remembered for. The former Sweden international spent 7 seasons with Aston Villa, playing over 200 league games for the club.

The 40 year old also had a long spell as the captain of the West Midland club before being replaced by Gareth Barry. Should Melberg continue his managerial success then it can’t be too long before he’s linked with a return to Villa Park.

ND