Speculation is rife as to who will replace Steve Bruce at Aston Villa following the 57-year-old's sacking in the week with Thierry Henry, John Terry, Sam Allardyce and Dean Smith of Brentford the leading contenders, according to the bookies.

Smith 47, has played down the speculation when speaking to journalists on Thursday, indicating that he had not been offered the post and that Brentford was his priority.

But as a childhood Villa fan with a father who was a steward at Villa Park, Smith seems to be firmly in the frame.

We discuss.....

Jay Taylor

That could all be pure media jargon to dilute any speculation that a move could be possible.

You can’t fool the public and they know when things are said just for a front, and this could be one of them.

It remains to be seen if Dean Smith is a serious target for Aston Villa but for now, it is pure speculation pending further knowledge of Villa’s managerial targets.

George Dagless

It's a typical response.

He's not going to go: 'Yes, I'd love the job, I've packed my bags and am waiting by the phone,' is he?

He'd surely love the job if offered but he's keeping his powder dry for now.

Gary Hutchinson

Fair play, he wants to concentrate on Brentford and he’s entitled to do so.

It isn’t as if Villa fans have made their vacancy a desired one.

Cabbages, chants of Bruce out and the general discontent has turned the place toxic.

It isn’t a shock a manager doesn’t want in on that.