Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece has claimed that former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is under consideration to replace Dean Smith in the Midlands.
The Lowdown: Lampard’s Norwich talks
The 43-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the beginning of the year, has reportedly been in talks with Norwich City.
Smith is also thought to be in the frame at Carrow Road after leaving Villa on Sunday, and it seems as if Lampard is a name now being discussed by the Villans' hierarchy.
He has had two senior jobs in management with Derby County and Chelsea, and it seems as if he could be a target for Villa alongside Steven Gerrard.
The Latest: Preece’s Q&A
Preece ran a Q&A on Birmingham Live on Tuesday morning and was asked by one supporter if Graham Potter or Lucien Favre were on the shortlist.
Here is what he had to say in reply, throwing Lampard’s name into the mix:
“I can't see either, to be honest. I think Potter would be a good appointment if you're asking me my opinion. I like his values. I think he'd jump at the chance as well but far from the top of Villa's list. It's all pointing to Gerrard. Purslow had a close relationship with him in that year at Liverpool and they've remained close. Lampard is also under consideration, as I understand it.”
The Verdict: Alternative to Gerrard?
As Preece claims, all signs appear to be pointing towards Rangers boss Gerrard at this moment in time, but it is interesting that Lampard’s name has now emerged. You'd expect that he could well prove to be a secondary target if a swoop for the ex-Liverpool capatain falls through.
The likes of Gerrard, Roberto Martinez and Paulo Fonseca all have more managerial experience than Lampard. The trio have also won silverware during their managerial careers, something that the 43-year-old is yet to do; so on that basis, a move for Lampard could prove to be a risky one, especially with Villa looking to make serious strides under NSWE.
In other news: Sky Sports drop live TV update on Gerrard possibly joining Aston Villa