Aston Villa are reportedly keen on Lee Johnson as a replacement for Roberto Di Matteo.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo
According to The Mirror, Aston Villa are interested in appointing Bristol City boss Lee Johnson, with Roberto Di Matteo on the verge of the sack.
Villa’s season took another dismal turn on Saturday afternoon, as they were beaten 2-0 away at Preston North End, with Simon Grayson’s men comfortably beating Di Matteo’s men.
Bristol City’s manager Lee Johnson
The Italian has overseen just one league win in the first 11 games of the season despite splashing big money on a host of new signings over the summer – and he now looks set to lose his job.
The Mirror report that Di Matteo will be sacked in the coming days as owner Tony Xia looks to move on despite only appointing the former Chelsea boss over the summer.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson
It’s also claimed that Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is one target for Xia, having worked wonder at Ashton Gate since his move from Barnsley back in February.
Johnson, just 35, featured for the likes of Yeovil Town, Hearts, Bristol City and Derby County during his playing career, but has been making rapid progression as a manager.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson
After impressing with Oldham Athletic and then Barnsley, Johnson has made a blistering start to this season with Bristol City, winning six of their 11 league games so far to take fifth place in the Championship table.
The son of Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson, Villa have allegedly shortlisted Lee as one of their top targets, with Xia no doubt impressed with Bristol City’s start to the season.
Would you like to see Villa appoint Johnson?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
