Alan Curbishley is in the frame for the Aston Villa job.

Curbishley, out of football since ending his spell as West Ham boss two years ago, is understood to have been interviewed by Villa on Wednesday.

He joins reserve-team coach Kevin MacDonald, who formally applied for the job on Tuesday after a spell as caretaker-manager, in being in contention for the post.

Curbishley carved out his managerial reputation in establishing Charlton as a top-flight club.

That would fit Villa's criteria of wanting a manager with Premier League experience although this has not ruled MacDonald out of the equation.