Aston Villa have reportedly identified Paulo Fonseca as a potential replacement for manager Dean Smith.
Despite high hopes of being in contention for European qualification, Villa currently sit in 15th position in the Premier League standings.
The West Midlands outfit have now lost four games in succession, a run of results which has inevitably led to question marks over the future of Smith.
According to the Daily Mail, major figures behind the scenes are still supportive of the Englishman ahead of the upcoming international break.
However, the same report claims that informal contact has been made with Fonseca's representatives at a time when the Portuguese continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League.
The ex-Roma manager is also said to be a target for Newcastle United, a scenario which has the potential to influence Villa officials if they lose at Southampton on Friday night.
Darren Plant
