Aston Villa have made an enquiry regarding Graham Potter's availability.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Express & Star, who claim that Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens (NSWE) have made an informal approach for the Brighton & Hove Albion manager in the club's bid to appoint Dean Smith's successor at Villa Park.

However, the report goes on to state that the possibility of Aston Villa being able to prise the 46-year-old away from the South Coast club is not believed to be overly strong.

He'd be perfect for Villa

While recent reports would appear to suggest that Steven Gerrard is very much the front runner for the vacant managerial post at Villa Park, it would be a difficult argument to make that the Rangers boss would be a better appointment than Potter.

In the space of seven years, he's led Ostersunds FK from the third tier of Swedish football to a fifth-place finish in the top flight, has won the Swedish Cup and defeated Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates in the knockout stages of the Europa League - although losing the tie 4-2 on aggregate. Thus, it has been clear for a while that Potter is an extremely talented coach.

Indeed, these accomplishments convinced Swansea City to take a chance on the 46-year-old, where Potter would spend one season, securing a 10th place Championship finish with the Swans, before continuing his remarkable rise with a move to Premier League side Brighton.

And, after two identical campaigns of nine wins, 14 draws and 15 losses in his first two seasons on the South Coast, things look as if they have really started to click for the 41-year-old this term, with Brighton having picked up an impressive 17 points over their opening 11 fixtures of the season - leaving the Seagulls flying high in seventh place.

Aside from his track record of results, Potter has also drawn praise for his progressive and attacking style of play, with Jurgen Klopp stating his belief that the Solihull-born manager's Brighton team "mirrors his ability," as well as claiming that the coach "obviously a clear idea about football" and is "doing a brilliant job" at the American Express Community Stadium.

Furthermore, Pep Guardiola has also suggested that Potter is currently "the best English manager" in the game, something that it would be hard to disagree with.

As such, while Gerrard is undoubtedly a talented boss, when comparing the former Liverpool captain's experience to that of Potter, there is a very clear winner - with the latter's history of improving struggling sides and his desire to play attacking football looking to make the 41-year-old something of a perfect fit for Villa.

In other news: 73% win rate: NSWE could revive Villa with "remarkable" 51 y/o Gerrard alternative