Aston Villa's owners are willing to break the bank to find Steven Gerrard's replacement.

Gerrard was sacked as manager yesterday after defeat at Fulham.

The Daily Mail says Villa are prepared to pay one of the highest salaries in Europe to attract an elite coach, with Thomas Tuchel available after leaving Chelsea earlier this season. Mauricio Pochettino is also a candidate after leaving PSG at the end of last season.

Whether Pochettino or Tuchel would be prepared to move to a club currently at risk of relegation is a different matter, but Villa are determined to aim for the top and will back the new manager with significant funds.

Villa had a net transfer spend of £52m in the summer but are above the relegation zone on goal difference alone.