Manager urged to reject Aston Villa job – Player goes public with his pleas

Aston Villa are searching for a new manager after sacking Dean Smith at the weekend, following a run of five league defeats.

The Premier League side have been linked to several targets and the list includes Belgium coach Roberto Martínez, Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

Hjulmand emerged as a candidate because of his connection with Villa sporting director Johan Lange. The English club’s chief and the Denmark coach spent time together at Lyngby Boldklub.

Hjulmand’s immediate focus is on the national team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Scotland.

Recent reports linking the 49-year-old to Aston Villa have also been a topic of discussion among the players called up for the two fixtures.

Although Hjulmand has insisted his immediate focus is on Denmark, AC Milan defender Simon Kjær was quizzed about reports linking the manager to Aston Villa and Ekstra Bladet have relayed his comments.

“Kasper is not going anywhere! I certainly hope that the DBU [Danish FA] says so. More directly and simply, I cannot say it. I think everyone is aware of the importance Kasper has had, so if you ask me, he is not going anywhere,” Kjær said.