USA’s Bob Bradley interested in coaching Aston Villa

The US team impressed at the World Cup and as a result, Bob Bradley has been mentioned as a serious candidate for the job.

Speaking to BBC’s Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek, Bradley said

"I'd be honoured to have a conversation with Randy Lerner." "I've had no contact with him. There have been talks with my representatives to find out the situation."

After four years in charge, O’Neill walked away from the top job just days before the beginning of the new Premier League season. Disagreements over transfer policy and the sale of midfielder James Milner to Manchester City is thought to be points of contention with Villa’s American owner.

Bradley’s contract with the US team expires at the end of the year and he said although he did not want his achievements in his current role to be overlooked or disregarded in any way, he had "always been excited by the possibility of managing in Europe".

He went on to say "Following the World Cup there have been some discussions with US Soccer about what the future holds and we will continue those discussions in the next few weeks and we will see what happens.”

"I think that there are challenges on both sides. I have always been excited by the possibility of being a manager in Europe, but we're proud of the work we have put in with the US team and it's important to see that as a challenge."

Kevin MacDonald, the reserve team manager has been temporarily in charge at Villa Park since O’Neills sudden departure.

Bradley said he thought that Aston Villa were dealing with the situation sensibly and their approach showed that Lerner was providing a good environment for whoever is to step into the role.

"Aston Villa have taken a good stance," said Bradley.

"They are patient and have a very good man in Kevin MacDonald, who is highly respected in the club. They are probably putting a list together as well as making sure Kevin has the time to consider his future."

When asked if he would be interested in the role, Bradley answered "Of course. Villa is a massive club, with a great history and a great following. Those opportunities would of course be of interest. It's pretty clear that Randy Lerner has done a solid job where tradition is kept."

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England coach and Gareth Southgate, the former Villa captain have also been linked to the Aston Villa Manager’s job.

A decision on who will take over the managerial role full time at Villa could be made in less than two weeks.

MacDonald suggested that he would speak to boss Randy Lerner about whether he wanted to be considered for the job after Villa’s game against Everton on the 29th August. This will be their last match before a to week international break.

After the break, Villa’s next game will be against Stoke on September 13th.