Aston Villa are considering replacing current manager Paul Lambert with Gianfranco Zola, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The 47-year-old, who is most well known for a glittering playing career in the Premier League with Chelsea, has been out of work since parting company with Championship side Watford earlier this season.
The Italian came close to guiding the Hornets to the top flight last season, but lost out to Crystal Palace in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, and has also managed in the Premier League before with West Ham United. Villa are seemingly considering the future of Lambert, who has struggled in his two seasons in charge at the club, with the threat of relegation still lingering into the final few games of this campaign.
The Scot has also proven something of an unpopular choice with the club’s fans, who have often been critical of the team’s defensive and direct style of play since he took over, with Zola looking like a good contrast due to his preference for stylish, attacking football. It is true that he (Zola) would like to manage again in the Premier League, a source close to the coach said. “There could be interest from Aston Villa, depending on what happens with their current manager. “

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