Remi Garde wasn't Aston Villa's first-choice as French coach, it has been revealed.

Garde, formerly of Olympique Lyon, was appointed Villa manager a fortnight ago after the dismissal of Tim Sherwood.

However, Le 10 Sport says Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier was Villa's first-choice.

Aston Villa held positive talks with Galtier and made a €10 million offer to ASSE to release him from his contract.

ASSE did seriously consider the offer, before eventually turning Villa down.

The Villans, only then, turned to free agent Garde.