Koeman claims Villa interest

(GSM) – Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has claimed that he is on a shortlist of names to replace Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager.

O’Neill, who departed Villa a week before the start of the new Premier League season, left caretaker Kevin McDonald to oversee a 3-0 win over West Ham United on the opening day of the campaign.

McDonald is believed to be a contender to take the job on a permanent basis but it is also reported that owner Randy Lerner is considering bringing in his compatriot and USA coach Bob Bradley, while Diego Maradona has expressed an interest in the position through his agent.

Now Koeman, who was sacked by AZ in December and claimed to be approached by Celtic over the summer, says he is also contention.

“I’m interested in the position of manager from Villa,” Koeman told NOS. “I know that I’m on the list of them. I don’t know how many more candidates are on that list. But I haven’t had contact yet with Villa.”