Moyes linked with Villa job - Exclusive

Aston Villa are being linked with a shock move for Everton boss David Moyes.

The Scot's odds on becoming Martin O'Neill's successor shortened from 33/1 to just 4/1 on Monday.

Villa are claimed to have identified the shrewd Scot as the man they want to work within their budget amid reports that he is growing tired of working on a shoestring at Goodison Park.

Moyes has been a huge success with the Toffees but may have taken them as far as he can, cracking the top four once in his spell in charge.

Everton have no money to give Moyes for the striker he wants and even selling players would not guarantee he would be given the funds to improve them the way he wants.

And while Everton deny they have had an official approach, insiders at Villa reveal that Moyes is openly being discussed by senior staff and players as their No.1 choice.

There were a flood of bets on Moyes to get the job yesterday, but the key to the move will be whether there is real money at Villa for him to spend.

Owner Randy Lerner eventually parted with O'Neill over cutbacks in spending and Moyes is unlikely to jump from the frying pan to the fire by going there if funds are low.

Moyes has build a strong camp at Everton and would take some convincing that the move is right for him. Villa would have to come up with a long-term strategy and proof that they do not have to sell more stars.

Villa shocked caretaker Kevin MacDonald by saying they wanted an experienced manager after his team beat Everton on Sunday. The quiet Scot was put down the queue with that statement.

Villa could also be interested in Blackburn's Sam Allardyce, another manager frustrated by a lack of funds and well-known for organising clubs without spending fortunes.

Allardyce has more experience than most at this level and hails from the Midlands. His style may have its critics, but it is similar to O'Neill's in many ways.