Bryan Robson wanted the Villa job when John Gregory left

George Burley and George Graham have already expressed an interest in taking over from Graham Taylor.

Former Leeds manager David O'Leary is the bookies' favourite, while Leicester boss Micky Adams has been strongly linked with the post.

But Villa are reported to have been put off by a �1m compensation quote that an approach for Adams would trigger.

Adams hinted at the weekend that he would talk to Villa if they showed an interest, saying: "I would hope if anyone wanted to talk to me they would do it the proper way.

BOOKIES' ODDS 4-1 David O'Leary 8-1 Alan Curbishley 10-1 Micky Adams, John Deehan, Stuart Gray, David Platt, Peter Schmeichel 12-1 George Burley, Gary Megson, Bryan Robson 14-1 Nigel Clough 16-1 Sam Allardyce, Paul Hart 20-1 George Graham, Bruce Rioch, Walter Smith, Shaun Teale

"And if people are interested and go through the right channels I owe it to myself and my family to talk to them."

Former Everton boss Walter Smith is also ready to add his name to the list of possible contenders.

But Robson has already done that by stating: "I'm interested in the job and hopefully Aston Villa are interested in me.

"If that's the case I would definitely want to talk to them," he added, and revealed he had been keen on a move to Villa Park after leaving Middlesbrough.

"I wanted the job when John Gregory was going, but Villa had already set something up with Graham Taylor.

"I would be going there to get them in the top six. The club needs to be winning trophies and playing in Europe, not fighting relegation," Robson added.

But O'Leary remains favourite for the job, though he refuses to be drawn publicly on the vacancy.

Yet he has made it clear he is keen to return, saying: "I am itching to get back. I know I can go on and manage a club somewhere now and I know I will do a good job.

"I want to do it again. Leeds is gone and it's time for me to move on."

HAVE YOUR SAY O'Leary would do a great job at Villa, especially with the young players we have at the club From Steve M Join the 606 debate

Former Ipswich boss Burley has gone public in his interest to manage Villa.

"Any manager would be interested in Villa," Burley told Aston Villa's website.

"If you take a look at the squad, it would be a tremendous job for anybody - that's the bottom line."

Burley ended the season in temporary charge of Derby County, but believes he has the ability to manage in the Premiership and is looking for a return to the top flight.

"I enjoyed my time at Derby and I'm still waiting to see what happens there," Burley said.

"I'm very keen to get back in somewhere, and I'd certainly be interested in Villa. It's a huge club with great potential," he added.