Former Aston Villa assistant manager John Terry won't be considered after the sacking of Dean Smith.
Chief exec Christian Purslow sacked Smith in a face-to-face meeting in the wake of Friday's 1-0 defeat at Southampton.
Saints chief Ralph Hasenhuttl and Danish national team coach Kasper Hjulmand are also on Villa's radar.
They are seen as ambitious bosses who can help stop the rot — and fulfil the owners' dream of returning Villa to the European stage.
But Chelsea great Terry's lack of experience will prevent Smith's former No 2 making a return to Villa Park as his replacement, says The Sun.
Villa are 16th in the league — just two points above the relegation zone.
Smith, 50, last month celebrated three years in charge at Villa Park.
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