Brighton manager Chris Hughton has played down the speculation that he is going to take charge at Aston Villa following the departure of Remi Garde.

Regarding the Villa speculation, Hughton said to the Argus: “It is very, very unlikely. It’s always nice and the only time anyone is ever mentioned is if someone feels your team is doing well but I’m very happy here.

The Midlands side will be playing in the Championship next season after a dismal Premier League campaign, that has seen them destined to finish last on an embarrassing 16 points.

Remi Garde took over from Tim Sherwood mid-season but has been unable to turn the club's fortunes around after selling their star players in the summer - they replaced them with unproven ones and Garde's departure has opened the door.

Owner Randy Lerner is looking to sell the club but failing that he has the task of appointing the right man to take them back up next season.

Chris Hughton would be a good choice as his superb record shows, nearly winning promotion with Birmingham a couple of seasons ago and taking Newcastle back up.

The job he has done at Brighton is superb and they are in the midst of an automatic promotion battle with Burnley and Middlesbrough, currently sitting one point outside the top two. Hughton has built the side on a small budget and promotion would be an immense achievement.

There 2-1 win over Forest last night put them on the fringes of the automatic playoffs and Hughton has denied to the Argus he will leave the club for Villa.

His record in the Championship makes the 57-year-old one of the best managers at this level so interest from Villa is no surprise, but Hughton said it is very unlikely he will leave for Villa as the clubs could be swapping divisions very soon.

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