Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner hopes to have his new manager installed next week.
The Daily Mail says a shortlist to replace Martin O'Neill has been drawn up, but the Villa owner is determined to look beyond the obvious candidates before appointing the Irishman's successor.
Sources close to the American multi-millionaire indicate he would like the new man in place for Villa's second Premier League clash at Newcastle on August 22.
Kevin MacDonald will be in charge for the league opener at home to West Ham on Saturday and he could also be at the helm for next Thursday's Europa League tie at Rapid Vienna if the new boss has not been appointed.
