Aston Villa have considered a move to make Frank Lampard their new manager as they seek a replacement for Dean Smith.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Lampard has been looked at as a potential appointment at Villa Park.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is thought to be the main target, but Villa are also considering other options.
Thomas Frank, Kasper Hjulmand and Ralph Hasenhuttl are also being looked at, alongside the surprise name of Lampard.
The news of Villa’s interest in Lampard comes just as he enters talks to take another Premier League job.
Norwich City want to hold talks with Lampard after sacking Daniel Farke. Their other target for the job? Well, it’s Dean Smith – the man Villa just sacked.
Lampard would be a gamble for Villa
Villa and Smith beat Lampard in the 2019 Championship playoff final, so hiring Lampard to replace Smith would be somewhat ironic.
Is this really the move Villa want though?
They clearly want to go to another level after sacking Smith, and Lampard has done little to suggest he is that manager.
After taking Derby into the play-offs, Lampard landed the Chelsea job. After a decent first season, Lampard failed to build last season.
It said a lot that Thomas Tuchel was able to come in and win the Champions League within a matter of months.
Lampard has plenty to learn as a coach, and Villa just aren’t looking for that kind of appointment right now.
Frank, Gerrard, Hasenhuttl and Hjulmand all have more success than Lampard in their careers and may fit the Villa bill more appropriately.
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