Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was interviewed by Aston Villa before they turned to Steven Gerrard.

The Sun says Lampard was interviewed to succeed Dean Smith, but fellow ex-midfielder Gerrard was always the overwhelming choice to get the job at Villa.

Lampard also ruled himself out of the Norwich job after being interviewed while on holiday in Dubai by director Stuart Webber.

Yet even without backing away from the appointment, Lampard was by no means certain to get that job anyway.

This is because Smith impressed with his philosophy and overall knowledge.

In the summer, Lampard was interviewed for the Crystal Palace job.

He was not keen at that stage although it seems the feeling was mutual.