Aston Villa are desperately searching for a suitable replacement for Steven Gerrard as the season grinds on. The Birmingham-based club wants to stay on track early but would need a good manager to do so.

In our earlier report, we listed the four managers Aston Villa are following, which includes Rúben Amorim and Villarreal manager, Unai Emery.

However, the 37-year-old Portuguese coach has a different option which could be good or bad for the Premier League club.

According to Birmingham Mail, Amorim has clarified his intentions to the potential suitors. He insisted he was happy in Portugal and may not be open to a job elsewhere.

But The Guardian revealed Aston Villa is keen on the Sporting CP coach to be their next manager. The English tabloid further shows Sporting paid €15m to secure the services of Amorim from Braga and inserted a €30m release clause following the signing of a four-year contract with the club in 2020.

The massive release clause Sporting does not deter Aston Villa’s top hierarchy had placed on the coach and will continue to push forward to see an agreement fall through.

“I’m Sporting’s coach and there’s nothing to say on the matter.” said Amorim when asked about his future at the Portuguese club.

Since 2020, he has won four significant trophies, including the Portuguese league, Portuguese Cup and Super Cup.