Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is one of the main contenders to succeed Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa manager.
Amorim, 37, has a reported £10m release clause at the Portuguese club and it is understood Villa have held talks with his representatives.
Villa, however, have other contenders despite the strong interest in the former Portugal midfielder.
Amorim has emerged as one of the most highly rated young coaches in Europe after his work with Sporting.
He speaks English and his reputation has grown since joining Braga in 2020, leading the Lisbon club to their first Primeira Liga title for 19 years in 2020-21.