The Telegraph says that Roberto Di Matteo is on his way out of Villa Park after the defeat to Preston this weekend and names the likely contenders for the job as Steve Bruce, Mick McCarthy and David Wagner.
Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce is currently out of a job, having left Hull City before the start of the season, apparently in frustration at a lack of signings, having steered them to promotion via the play-offs last season. He's a familiar enough face to Villa fans especially after his lengthy spell at Birmingham City from 2002-2006, and subsequent jobs at Wigan and Sunderland.
Pros: Has several times got teams promoted from the Championship, including being parachuted in halfway through the season. No current job, so no lengthy negotiations or payoff.
Cons: Has several times got teams relegated from the Premier League, time as a Bluenose, possibly in the frame for the England job which could delay negotiations, a record of falling out with owners.
Mick McCarthy
Current Ipswich Town manager and has been since 2012. Managerial career includes spells at Millwall, Republic of Ireland, Sunderland but most associated with Wolves which he took to the Premier League and kept there for two seasons after five years in the job.
Pros: Again, multiple promotions from the Championship, hugely experienced in the Championship, might be quite easy to persuade to come from Ipswich where his reputation is mixed.
Cons: Even more prone to taking sides down from the Premier League than Bruce, with Wolves being his sole success in keeping a side up. Not had huge success recently with Ipswich, having finished 9th, 6th and 7th in his full seasons in charge of the club.
David Wagner
Risen to prominence in English football this season as head coach of Huddersfield Town, current Championship leaders. Previously manager of Borussia Dortmund's reserve team and Jurgen Klopp's "best friend". Similar high-pressing style has brought early success, including forcing the equaliser against Villa when Pierluigi Gollini smacked a football directly into a chasing striker's face (sorry for the memory).
Pros: Could well have the biggest potential of any of these managers, already successfully leading a side in the Championship, exciting brand of football.
Cons: Would be a huge gamble on a manager who's only had a few good months in English football, would probably be hard to get away from Huddersfield.