Belgium manager Roberto Martinez would ‘jump at the chance’ to speak with Aston Villa over replacing Dean Smith as the club’s next head coach, according to The Sun.
The Villans sacked Smith on Sunday after just over three-years at the helm following five-straight defeats in the Premier League.
Losing to Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves, Arsenal, West Ham United and Southampton last Friday left Villa 16th in the table. They also now head into the international break just two-points above the relegation zone.
No Premier League team has taken fewer points than Aston Villa since September 19, to leave owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris feeling that Smith’s position was untenable.
Belgium boss Martinez now features on Aston Vila’s early shortlist of managers who could replace Smith, per The Times.
The Express and Star additionally report they are prepared to pay a significant amount in compensation for their top target.
Although it would cost under £2m to break Martinez from his deal with the Red Devils, per the Daily Mail.
And the Spaniard is interested in speaking with Edens and Sawiris over replacing Smith at the Birmingham outfit.
Martinez is keen to secure a return to the Premier League to fulfil ambitions of returning to club management.
Why is Martinez keen to hold Aston Villa talks?
Martinez is open to talks with Aston Villa over being their next manager as he fears he has taken Belgium as far as he can after five-years and establishing them as the world #1.
But the 48-year-old is determined to secure the Red Devils’ spot in the next World Cup before deciding his future.
Belgium are top of Group E after six games with a five-point lead over the Czech Republic. Victory over Estonia on Saturday or Wales next Tuesday, then, will guarantee their place in Qatar.
The 2022 World Cup would be Belgium’s third tournament with the former Wigan Athletic and Everton boss. Martinez took the Red Devils to third-place at the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals at Euro 2020.
Rio Ferdinand lauded Martinez’s work during Euro 2020, to show Aston Villa what he could offer as their next manager. Claiming during the BBC’s coverage of Belgium versus Finland:
“They have done in a way in which their fans and their people will be enjoying. I think they have played some really good football.
“Martinez, I think he’s meticulous. The attention to detail. Tactically, he has got the set-up really well. And he has got all his attacking and creative players all ready and in-form.”
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