Maradona fancies Villa job

Former Argentina boss Diego Maradona has targeted a return to management with Aston Villa.

Maradona's reputation in England will be forever tarnished by his 'Hand of God' goal against the Three Lions at the 1986 World Cup, but Soriano insists his client would be open to an approach from Villa owner Randy Lerner.

"I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa," Maradona's European representative Walter Soriano told the Sunday Mercury.

"He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there.

"He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa.

"If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response.

"Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe - including another one in England - about a management role and is looking at his options carefully."

Lerner is seeking a new permanent manager at Villa Park after Martin O'Neill quit just days before the start of the new Barclays Premier League season.

Kevin MacDonald was in caretaker charge as Villa began the new campaign with a convincing 3-0 win against West Ham.