Aston Villa are preparing a surprise bid for Mark Hughes to become their new manager.

The current Fulham boss is just 33 days into his reign at Craven Cottage and The Times has reported Villa’s owner, Randy Lerner, has identified Hughes as his preferred choice to replace Martin O’Neill.

It’s uncertain if Hughes would be keen to open talks with the Midlands club or that Fulham chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed, is willing to allow his newly-acquired manager to leave West London.

Lerner has previously said he requires Premier League experience of his prospective manager, which would exclude USA coach Bob Bradley and Dutchman Ronald Koeman from his shortlist.

Hughes signed a two-year deal at Fulham on July 29, and has drawn all three of his Premier League games so far but he has not given any indication that he is unhappy with his new role at Craven Cottage.

Bookmaker William Hill has reduced Hughes’ odds from 12-1 to 3-1 favourite after they noticed a trend in high-profile bettors backed Hughes to leave his post at Fulham for Villa Park.