Aston Villa brought an end to Steven Gerrard’s 11-month tenure in charge of the club this week after losing 3-0 against Fulham.

While the focus now turns to bringing in a new manager, it seems as though journalist Gregg Evans has revealed the identity of one current Premier League coach that NSWE have on their radar to replace the former Liverpool captain.

Frank touted as possible next Villa manager

In a report for The Athletic, Evans stated: “Villa face Brentford on Sunday and Thomas Frank, the manager who took the west London club to the Premier League and kept them there in such impressive fashion, is admired by the Villa board and will be considered as part of the search. However, Brentford are confident Frank will not leave for Villa and will be in charge of Brentford on Sunday.”

Having taken charge of 203 matches with the Bees, Frank has won 94, drawn 44 and lost 65, during which time he has brought the club into the Premier League and guided them to a 13th-place finish last season, the first at top-flight level since 1946/47.

During his recent press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash at Villa Park, Frank responded to claims linking him with the Villa job.

He said: “I understand why bookmakers have me as one of the favourites, because I’m a very good manager. I’m very happy at Brentford and have unfinished business.”

Doesn’t seem likely

Frank clearly has confidence in himself and his managerial abilities, even though Brentford have only won three of their 11 league games this season, and it seems as though the 49-year-old isn’t likely to be the one to take Villa forward following Gerrard’s departure going by his emphatic comments.

With all that in mind, Villa’s best bet is to focus on other potential candidates who they may have a better chance of bringing to the Midlands so that they can get their season back on track as quickly as possible.