Sean Dyche on Villa radar in hunt for new boss

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is in the frame to take over at Villa this summer.

The 44-year-old is thought to be high on the club's list of candidates to replace Remi Garde, who is expected to leave Villa Park this week.

Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson and ex-Manchester United manager David Moyes are also being considered.

Dyche's work with Burnley in the Championship means he instantly appeals to new Villa director David Bernstein, who is leading the hunt for a new manager.

The former Chesterfield and Watford defender won promotion with the Clarets in 2014 and though their first season in the Premier League ended in relegation, they are currently top of the Championship and set fair for an immediate return.

Prising Dyche away from Turf Moor might, however, prove problematic.

He signed a new, rolling contract last month and Villa would likely need to pay Burnley hefty compensation, while it is unclear in any case whether Dyche would be interested in the Villa Park post should he succeed in taking the Clarets back to the top flight.

Garde is expected to depart before this Saturday's game with Chelsea after winning just three of his 23 games in charge.