Maradona wants Aston Villa job

Martin O’Neill resigned as boss last week, with Kevin McDonald leading them to a 3-0 opening-day victory over West Ham in the caretaker role.

Ajax boss Martin Jol and USA coach Bob Bradley have also been linked with the West Midlands club, but Maradona believes he could be the man to lead them this season.

"I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa," his official European representative, Walter Soriano, told the Sunday Mercury.

"He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there.

"He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa."

Maradona left his post of Argentina coach in acrimonious circumstances last month, having impressed at the World Cup until La Albiceleste were smashed 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.

Soriano added: "If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response.

"Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe – including another one in England – about a management role and is looking at his options carefully."