Aston Villa manager Remi Garde has refused to be drawn on rumours linking him with a return to his former club Lyon.

Garde, who only took over at Villa Park in November, has be the subject of speculation connecting him with a move back to the Ligue 1 outfit where he spent three seasons before leaving in 2014.

"I said it's not the time for me to speak about the speculation of individuals, mine in particular," Garde said when quizzed on the rumours.

"It would be very disrespectful for the club, for the fans and those who love this football club and are suffering in this time. Speculation doesn't interest me at the moment."

Villa are currently engaged in a relegation battle which sees them sitting rock bottom on the Premier League table.