Remi Garde tight-lipped on Lyon return

The Frenchman claims it would be "disrespectful" to supporters if he were to be drawn on such reports, in the light of Villa's plight at the bottom of the Premier League.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas this week made clear he would welcome Garde, who managed the Ligue 1 club between 2011 and 2014, back with open arms.

Garde has remained tight-lipped over his future at Villa Park and could leave this summer. But, for now, he is not prepared to talk about it.

He said: "It's not the time for me to speak about the speculation of individuals, mine in particular.

"It would be very disrespectful for the club, for the fans and those who love this football club and are suffering in this time. Speculation doesn't interest me at the moment."

Villa have won just two games since Garde replaced Tim Sherwood as manager in November and go to Swansea tomorrow nine points adrift of safety, with just eight games to play.

Lyon chief Aulas has been quoted describing the 49-year-old as a "child of the club."

He said: "If he (Garde) called me tomorrow. He's a child of the club, of the house. Shout it from the rooftops, it would help me a lot."

Garde's former assistant Bruno Genesio has also publicly stated that he misses working with his old colleague and they 'will have to' link up again.

Villa are in the midst of boardroom upheaval following the departures this week of chief executive Tom Fox and sporting director Hendrik Almstadt. The club are now seeking replacements for both men.

Garde, speaking before Fox's resignation was announced last night, refused to comment on Almstadt.

It is thought the pair had a fractious relationship, but Garde insisted he is happy working alongside a sporting director.

He said: "I stay on the position that I told you when I arrived. I've got no problem working with this kind of structure."