Aston Villa hold talks at the home of the new leading candidate to be next manager - report
By Harry Sykes
Aston Villa chiefs held talks with David Moyes at his home on Thursday night, according to a report.
The Midlands club have stepped up their search for a new manager following the Chinese takeover led by owner-in-waiting Tony Xia.
The Daily Mail claim Moyes has become the front runner to become the next Villa manager and he is now considering a formal offer to take the reins.
It is said Xia’s representatives held lengthy face-to-face talks with Moyes at the former Manchester United and Everton manager’s home on Thursday night.
Moyes is now in pole position to be the club's next manager ahead of Roberto Di Matteo and Nigel Pearson.
Moyes is represented by his agent brother, Kenny, who is believed to be negotiating the terms and conditions under which his sibling would take the post.
The principle consideration for Xia is hiring a man he believes can get Villa promoted from the Championship as soon as possible, a feat Di Matteo and Pearson have both proved they can do, with West Brom and Leicester respectively.
But Xia also wants a manager capable of being part of his Villa project longer-term, firstly getting them back up, then stabilising them, then making a push for Europe.
Moyes reportedly fits the bill although the key for the Scot is whether he believes the summer could throw up a more immediate opportunity at a Premier League club, and whether he considers waiting for such a chance is a risk.
Pearson was the preferred candidate selected by outgoing chairman Steve Hollis, while Di Matteo also impressed Xia's advisors but he is said to be in talks with Lazio.
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