Aston Villa Transfer Rumour: Is Mark Hughes Set to Become Manager?

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ESPN confirms today that the contract of Fulham manager Mark Hughes expired last night, making the former Manchester United champion a very attractive prospect for Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner, who has just waved goodbye to Frenchman Gerard Houllier.

Hughes has enjoyed another successful season at Craven Cottage, where he led his team to eighth place with 49 points from 38 matches, despite important injury issues and a small transfer budget.

Although talks are expected to start soon to extend his stay at the London club, it would be naive to think that Hughes would ignore the lure of a club with a bigger fanbase and stadium, more money and more ambition.

Chairman Lerner will also realise that he will need to act quickly to prevent stars such as England trio Darren Bent, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young from leaving what could soon resemble a sinking ship. And a move for a highly-rated manager such as Hughes could bring a wave of optimism back to the club.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/925267/mark-hughes?cc=5739

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