Aston Villa have made contact with Steve Bruce regarding their managerial vacancy, according to reports.
Villa are searching for a new boss having sacked Roberto Di Matteo just 12 games into his reign following a poor start to the season.
Bruce has been out of work since leaving Hull City in July, just three weeks before the new Premier League campaign got underway.
The former Birmingham City boss is now considered the leading candidate to succeed Di Matteo, although caretaker manager Steve Clarke is also in the running, according to PA.
Villa have also been linked with Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner, although Terriers chairman Dean Hoyle today seemingly ruled the German out of the running.
Villa currently sit 19th in the Championship table with just one win to their name from 11 outings this season.
