Brentford are 'braced' for an approach from Aston Villa for their manager Thomas Frank, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Frank a front-runner for Villa job

The Dane is doing an excellent job in west London, turning them into an established Premier League team and playing high-tempo football along the way.

Frank has been linked with replacing Steven Gerrard as Villa manager in recent days, with the Midlands club seeing the 49-year-old as a front-runner for the role.

It looks as though their interest isn't going away any time soon, judging by one update.

The Latest: Brentford braced for Villa approach

According to Football Insider, Brentford are already 'braced' for Villa making a move for their boss, with the 49-year-old having a 'relatively low release clause' of £3m in his contract.

It is even stated that the Bees are 'putting out early feelers' for potential replacements for the Dane, seemingly planning for the future should he depart the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Verdict: Favourite to take over?

With each passing day, it feels increasingly as though Frank could be Villa's number one target to become the new manager, which would be a positive decision.

He has shown what a superb job he can do with a limited budget, both in the Premier League and the Championship, so he could really flourish if he has greater funds at his disposal at Villa Park.

The lure of joining a club which arguably has a better chance of long-term success, given the investment from the ambitious NSWE, must surely appeal to Frank, who may feel as though he has come as far as he can at Brentford.

Coincidentally, today could be something of an audition for the Villa job if he is interested in it, with the two teams meeting in the Premier League this afternoon.