Former Aston Villa boss Ron Atkinson would like to see Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez move to Villa Park.
Atkinson had three names in mind when asked who he fancied for the Villa vacancy.
He said: "(Roberto) Martinez was well linked with it last season - he'd be a very good candidate. Brendan Rodgers is also a good candidate and Paul Lambert has done very well at Norwich. They're the sort of people I think will be very much at the forefront."
Atkinson is in no doubt about the potential for growth at Villa Park.
He added: "Aston Villa for me are capable of being one of the top six clubs in the country but at the moment are badly in need of investment in the team.
"I don't think people realise what a big football club that is. The England squad Roy Hodgson could pick (for Euro 2012) could contain seven players who have played for Villa in the last couple of seasons."