Aston Villa's search for a new manager has seemingly taken another setback, with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim likely to remain with the Portuguese side.

After sacking Steven Gerrard in midweek following the 3-0 defeat against Fulham, the Villans have been linked with a host of top managers as they look to get their season back on track.

The potential of the squad was clear to see on Sunday afternoon as Villa demolished Brentford 4-0 at Villa Park but it seems as if it won't be enough to tempt the top names to the Midlands.

According to The Telegraph, sporting director Johan Lange had begun talks with Amorim to bring him from Sporting CP to Villa Park, with Pochettino unlikely to join as he seeks a top-level club, despite a big money offer from the Villans. 

However, Fabrizio Romano has now provided the latest on Amorim, saying:

“Aston Villa are exploring the managers market, we should have more of an idea about who they go for next week. Personally, I think Amorim was a fantastic idea as he’s a potential top manager for present and future, but Sporting have no intention to let him go.”

It is no surprise that Sporting are keen to keep the 37-year-old, who is quickly emerging as one of the best young managers in European football.

After impressing with Braga, with whom he won ten of just 13 matches in charge, Amorim was given his chance to impress at one of the top clubs in Portugal, and he has grabbed that opportunity with both hands.

The Portuguese coach has thus far taken charge of 121 games for Sporting, winning 85, drawing 16 and losing just 20, which helped him lead Sporting to their first Liga NOS title in 19 years during the 2020/21 campaign.

His side also have the chance to progress through into the Champions League knockout stages this season after a memorable win over Tottenham Hotspur during the group stages, so it is easy to see why he wouldn't want to leave right now.

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NSWE will no doubt be gutted to hear that Sporting are desperate to keep Amorim and will be hoping that they can still tempt the 37-year-old to Villa Park as Gerrard's replacement.