Aston Villa look set to hold talks and interviews with candidates for their managerial vacancy this week, according to Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Midlands journalist believes the Birmingham club will want a successor sorted before their next Premier League outing versus Brighton.

What's the latest news involving Aston Villa?

Aston Villa parted with manager Dean Smith on Sunday following a run of five consecutive defeats in the Premier League. 

With Norwich City also sacking Daniel Farke on Saturday, it is no coincidence that two top flight clubs have decided to make changes at the start of the international break. 

The prolonged gap between the next Premier League matchday, which starts on November 20th, allows clubs more time to consider candidates. 

It also gives new managers longer on the training pitch to implement their methods, although many of Aston Villa's most important players will be away on international duty. 

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Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield claimed that Aston Villa want to appoint their next manager in time for the club's returning Premier League fixture against Brighton. 

Accordingly, he believes Villa will be holding talks with potential appointments this week. 

When asked whether interviews and discussions will happen this week, the Express and Star journalist replied: "I'm almost certain that would be the case. The fact they've got rid of Craig Shakespeare alongside Dean Smith shows they want someone in for that Brighton game.

"I'd guess that all the interviews and talks will be going on this week and they'll be hoping to get a deal done pretty swiftly."

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Who will be Aston Villa's next manager?

There are a number of names currently in the mix to take over at Villa Park. 

According to The Telegraph, the club are currently considering Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl - who delivered the final blow to Smith's Villans reign on Friday with a 1-0 win - as potential successors to the 50-year-old. 

However, The Telegraph also mention some alternative options, such as Brentford gaffer Thomas Franck and Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand, who masterminded his country's way to the semi-finals of Euro 2020. 

Lucien Favre and Paulo Fonseca were also named in the report and represent more attainable options with both managers currently out of work. 

Nonetheless, there's still a long way to go for Villa. They'll need to determine who's available, who's affordable and who would be able to match the club's ambitions. 

According to Hatfield, they want that process to be completed as swiftly as possible.