Report: Nigel Pearson favourite to be named Villa manager

Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has emerged as the favourite to become Aston Villa's next manager after several board members identified him as their main target, Stuart James of the Guardian reports.

James adds that former Leicester City player and coach Chris Powell has been lined up by Pearson to become an assistant with the Championship-bound club.

Powell previously played and coached at Leicester City during Pearson's time as manager of The Foxes.

His possible appointment as Villa manager will be Pearson's first job since he was sacked as Leicester City's gaffer shortly after the 2014-15 Premier League season.

Pearson is reportedly joined by David Moyes, Sean Dyche, and Steve Bruce as candidates hoping to fill the void left by Remi Garde, who left Villa by mutual consent in March.

A new manager is expected to be appointed shortly after Villa officially gets relegated from the Premier League. The club currently finds itself 15 points from safety as it occupies last place with just 16 points, and five matches remaining.