Aston Villa news: Pundit shares ‘big-money’ Mauricio Pochettino claim after source’s talks update
Noel Whelan has insisted Aston Villa will be a “very tempting proposition for most managers” as they start their search for a Steven Gerrard replacement.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the potential for a “big-money” January war chest could sweeten the deal for any interested boss.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (21 October), Aston Villa are planning to hold talks with Unai Emery as they step up their search for a new manager.
However, Mauricio Pochettino has major doubts about taking the job due to misgivings about the talents of the squad at Villa Park.
Fellow Midlands side Wolves have struggled to replace axed manager Bruno Lage – instead opting to keep interim boss Steve Davis until 2023 after reportedly being turned down by Julen Lopetgui and Michael Beale.
However, Whelan insisted Villa will have no problems finding a Gerrard successor – unlike their near-neighbours.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Aston Villa is a bigger club than Wolves – history tells you that, the fanbase tells you that.
“They will be a very tempting proposition for most managers.
“They’ve got the backing of the board, who have spent big money. If you take the job now, you’ll probably get transfer funds for the January window.
“Fanbase, squad, stadium, training ground, good academy – what’s not to like? It’s going to be tempting for a lot of out-of-work managers right now.”
Gerrard was sacked on Thursday after a 3-0 away loss at Fulham which left Aston Villa 17th in the Premier League.
They face Brentford at Villa Park on Sunday (23 October).
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Aston Villa have just banked £16m “free-money” windfall.