Aston Villa may face a battle to keep hold of manager Martin O'Neill with Liverpool now seeking a replacement for Rafa Benitez.

Reds chief Kenny Dalglish will play a prominent role in appointing a successor.

The Daily Mail says O'Neill will be high on Dalglish's list and would jump at the chance of restoring Liverpool's tarnished reputation after becoming increasingly concerned by dwindling transfer funds at Aston Villa.

The Villa manager has tried to find some common ground with American owner Randy Lerner over the level of investment needed but he might be easily prised away from the club.