Aston Villa turned to Gerard Houllier after attempting to prise David Moyes away from Everton.
The Daily Star Sunday says Villa have opted for a joint-managerial team of Gerard Houllier and Kevin MacDonald - after missing out on Moyes.
Everton boss Moyes was the first choice of Villa owner Randy Lerner to replace Martin O'Neill, who walked out on the club on the eve of the new season.
But an informal approach was rejected ten days ago with Moyes making it clear he would not be willing to swap Merseyside for the Midlands.
It was only after that snub that Lerner and his fellow Villa directors decided to interview other candidates for the post.
