Aston Villa have sounded out Paulo Fonseca as they consider potential replacements for under-pressure boss Dean Smith.
Sportsmail understands that informal contact has been made with the representatives of the Portuguese coach and sources believe Smith is on borrowed time after four straight losses.
The word out of Villa Park last week was that the hierarchy, led by chief executive Christian Purslow, remain supportive of the manager. But the contact with out-of-work Fonseca indicates that candidates are being explored in the event of Smith going.
Aston Villa have made informal contact with former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca
Villa have fallen to 15th in the Premier League and are three points above the relegation zone after their run of defeats, the latest being Sunday’s 4-1 loss at home to West Ham.