Brentford boss Thomas Frank responds to Aston Villa job links – refusing to rule out replacing Steven Gerrard

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has refused to rule out a move to Aston Villa amid speculation he could be the man to replace Steven Gerrard. The Dane was asked by the media how he felt about the ongoing links, and there was no outright refusal.

Frank’s Brentford struggled at Villa Park on Sunday, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to a side temporarily being managed by Aaron Danks. The Bees left the ground embarrassed after the shackles were seemingly thrown off the Villans, who created a whole host of clear-cut opportunities and racked up 11 shots on target.

Despite this, the murmurs linking Frank with the Villa job haven’t disappeared - though they have quietened down somewhat. “There are a lot of rumours out there. I realise this is a great club in many ways,” Frank said after the game.

“But I have said many times before [that] I am pleased in Brentford. I have unfinished business to do. It’s football. One thing is for sure I have a job I am very glad for. I love Brentford, that is what I am focusing on.”

Although suggesting he’s very happy to stay at the Gtech Community Stadium, Frank, who led Brentford to promotion and then 13th place in the Premier League last season, refused to rule out a move away.

The 49-year-old is currently being phased out as a contender by Sky Bet, with odds currently at 14/1 as of 12.30pm on Monday, October 24. The current favourite is former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who has had his odds slashed to 2/5.

Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim is also in contention, with Villa reportedly willing to pay a £10 million release clause to acquire his services. The Portuguese has been heavily linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent weeks.