Villa owner Randy Lerner has flown in to the UK to interview two candidates for the top job.

The club's board has whittled down the prospective candidates to just two after ex-Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti ruled himself out of the running yesterday.

According to the Birmingham Mail, American billionaire Lerner will announce which of the pair has got the job early next week. Both potential managers are said to have past experience running a Premiership side.

Former England boss Steve McClaren is thought to be on the shortlist.

The vacancy at Villa Park came up last month after Gerard Houllier was forced to step down due to ill health.