Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry is in talks with Aston Villa for the manager's job.

The Mirror says Henry is considering an offer to become the sacked Steve Bruce's successor.

It would be the former striker's first role in sole charge, and an appointment representing a bold and exciting gamble by new owners Nassef Sawaris and Wes Edens.

The pair are anxious to make a statement and, interestingly, it appears Belgium assistant Henry is the choice of billionaire Sawaris rather than super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has been advising the club since their summer takeover.

However, a deal is by no means cut and dried, as the 41-year-old wants full control over the transfer budget.

That appears to be the sticking point, as chief executive Christian Purslow also wants to appoint a new sporting director and the lines of responsibility have yet to be established within the club's framework.