Maradona wants Villa post

(GSM) – Argentina legend Diego Maradona is interested in becoming the new Aston Villa manager, according to his European representative Walter Soriano.

Martin O’Neill shockingly resigned as Villa boss last week and Kevin McDonald led the team to an impressive 3-0 opening-day victory over West Ham United in the caretaker role.

Ajax boss Martin Jol and USA coach Bob Bradley have come out as front-runners for the job – but Maradona has revealed that he would welcome the chance to manage at Villa Park.

“I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa,” Soriano told the Sunday Mercury.

“He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there.

“He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa.

“If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response.

“Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe – including another one in England – about a management role and is looking at his options carefully.”

Maradona was sacked as Argentina coach last month after his team played beautiful football at the World Cup until they were well-beaten 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.