Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is the ‘outstanding candidate’ to become Aston Villa’s new manager, according to reliable journalist Ashley Preece.
The Lowdown: Amorim strongly linked with job
The 37-year-old is doing a highly impressive job at Sporting, winning four trophies and outlining his status as one of Europe’s most exciting young managers.
In recent days, Amorim has been continually linked with becoming the new Villa boss, following Steven Gerrard’s prompt sacking last Thursday.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has ruled himself out of the running, as have Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, so it looks as though NSWE could now go all-in for Amorim.
The Latest: Amorim now the main contender
Writing in a Q&A for Birmingham Mail on Monday morning, Preece stated that the Portuguese boss is the main contender to come in and replace Gerrard at Villa Park.
The reporter wrote:
“Amorim the outstanding candidate; Nassef really likes him; the board will come together again this week to discuss their candidates.
“Amorim will be asked about Villa job at his Champions League presser before Tottenham this week.”
The Verdict: Number one choice now
This update certainly suggests that Villa now appear to be willing to put all their eggs in the Amorim basket, singling him out as the main candidate to come in.
If they manage to get a deal over the line, it could be an intriguing piece of business by the club to acquire the services of a talented young coach who is renowned for adopting an attacking style of play.
Planning for the long-term is something that Villa must consider, rather than an ageing quick fix of a manager, and Amorim fits the bill in that respect.