Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s club Molde have confirmed he is in talks with Aston Villa about their vacant managerial role.
GettyImagesOle Gunnar Solskjaer is in his first full job in management
• Whelan: Liverpool want Martinez
• McLeish sacked by Aston Villa
Solskjaer, 39, led Molde to their maiden Norwegian league title in October last year and has flourished in what is only his second coaching job, following an initial spell at the helm of Manchester United’s reserves.
Villa are on the hunt for a new boss after sacking Alex McLeish after a disappointing season yielded just seven wins from 38 Premier League matches.
Former United striker Solskjaer, who is regarded as a legend at Old Trafford because of his dramatic injury-time winner for the club in the 1999 Champions League final, is to hold discussions over succeeding McLeish, although it remains to be seen if he would leave Molde, where he is contracted for a further two years.
A statement on Molde’s website read: “Molde Football Club is aware of interest and contact from Aston Villa, and is aware that Aston Villa and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are holding talks.”
Roberto Martinez, Paul Lambert and Brendan Rodgers have also been linked with the position at Villa Park, with owner Randy Lerner under pressure to make the right appointment following increasing criticism from the supporters.
