Luton Town manager Nathan Jones in frame for Aston Villa job?

Luton Town manager Nathan Jones has emerged as a surprise contender for the vacancy at Aston Villa following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo earlier this week.

According to The Mirror, Villa owner Dr Tony Xia is considering an approach for the 43-year-old after impressing when he led Luton to a shock 3-1 win over the Midlands side in August.

Jones, a former assistant at Brighton & Hove Albion, was appointed as manager at the League Two side in January and has made a strong start to the new season, leading the Hatters to fourth in the table after the first 11 games.

Xia is said to be 'contemplating all available options' in his search for Di Matteo's replacement, with Brentford's Dean Smith and Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner joining Jones on the shortlist.

Steve Bruce - former boss of Villa's fierce rivals Birmingham City - remains the odds-on favourite with the bookies to land the role.