Report: In-form Premier League manager a new name on Aston Villa shortlist

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The Record claim Aston Villa have added Brighton manager Graham Potter to their shortlist – despite Steven Gerrard seeming like the front runner.

Potter, 46, is impressing at Brighton – having joined the club from Swansea in the summer of 2019. He has since taken charge of 99 games.

Keeping Brighton in the Premier League two years in a row, with 15th and 16th-placed finishes – Potter is now guiding Brighton to the top.

The Seagulls sit in seventh place, winning four of 11 – drawing five and only losing two. He has a contract at Brighton until the summer of 2025.

However, he only earns £19,000 a week – according to The Express. It could be a bargaining tool for Aston Villa’s cash-rich owners, who can offer more.

Roberto Martinez, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Paulo Fonseca and Rangers gaffer Gerrard are the other options on Villa’s shortlist – as per the report.

Potter to Villa: Could Midlands side tempt Brighton gaffer?

Potter has got a good thing going at Brighton. He is loved by fans, he is being backed, and he has every single player buying into what he wants.

Sometimes, that is difficult to leave. But with Brighton sitting in the top half, could Potter have reached his ceiling at Brighton? Villa have more scope.

A bigger club, with bigger financial clout and better players. Combining that with the genius of Potter, might take Villa into European contention.