Benitez 'wants Villa job'

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez could replace Gerard Houllier for a second time, with the Spaniard interested in suceeding him at Aston Villa.

Houllier is unlikely to manage the club again this season after being hospitalised with chest pains - and nay never return to Villa Park.

Benitez, out of work since being fired by Inter Milan earlier this season, is desperate for a Premier League return and said: “My mentality is now like a manager.

“I like the responsibility to decide the ambition of a club – the plan, the academy and the young players, all of these things together. I have experience now and can do well – especially with staff who know the Premier League.”

Everton boss David Moyes and Fulham manager Mark Hughes are also targets for Villa should Houllier step down.