Aston Villa are considering their options after their leading candidates Thierry Henry and Rui Faria decided against succeeding Steve Bruce.

Villa’s new big money backers Nassef Sawiris and Wes Eden were keen on bringing Henry to the club, and and previously held talks with him in the summer about replacing Bruce.

Bruce clung onto his job to start the new Championship campaign, but he was axed earlier this month and again Henry was the man they wanted, but after talks the Arsenal legend has decided against making the move.

Henry is keen on moving into club management, but he has offer clubs in his mind and it is claimed that former club Monaco could be ready to make a move for him.

As such Villa looked at their other options and Faria was next on their radar, as they were keen on landing the former Jose Mourinho number two.

But Faria has seemingly decided against taking on the role, and now Brentford boss Dean Smith is once again considered favourite.