Former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is now ‘serious’ about returning to the Premier League, amid reports he would be open to replacing Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa boss, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Gerrard oversaw a busy summer at Villa Park, spending more than £60 million, but a slow start to the season has seen the pressure mount on the Liverpool legend.

What is the latest on Pochettino?

July saw the Argentinian sacked by PSG, despite leading them to the Ligue 1 title, and replaced by Christophe Galtier after 18 months in charge.

Now, Football Insider have reported that Pochettino is ‘keen’ on the possibility of stepping into the dugout at Villa Park.

The outlet claim that the ex-Southampton boss is attracted to the project of the West Midlands’ giants and is not only interested in taking a Champions League role.

He sparked further speculation on Monday night when he attended England’s 3-3 draw with Germany in the Nations League at Wembley.  

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has moved to quell any speculation, however, writing in his CaughtOffside column that it is normal for coaches to continue to attend matches when out of work and that Pochettino had recently rejected an approach from Nice.

What has Jones said on the matter?

Jones understands that Pochettino is eager to attend games at the moment as he wants to be primed to step into a job when it becomes available.

The journalist adds that the fact he attended an England match does show that he wants to return to the Premier League.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Pochettino is very keen to be at games at the moment as he wants to be as ready as possible when a job opportunity crops up and so wants to see top players in person. I wouldn’t read too much into him being at the England match beyond the fact he is serious about returning to the Premier League soon.”

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Would Pochettino be a good appointment?

It would be hard to look at this as anything other than a massive coup for Villa if they could pull it off.

While he may have ultimately failed in PSG’s ultimate goal of winning the Champions League, the 50-year-old still came away having picked up 2.15 points per game.

His track record in the Premier League is also impressive, guiding Spurs to a second-place finish in the 2016-17 campaign and to the Champions League final two years later.

Gerrard seemingly still has the backing of the hierarchy, but if the opportunity to bring Pochettino on board comes about, Villa would be foolish not to take it.