Bob Bradley has broken his silence over the Aston Villa (9/5 for top six finish) managerial vacancy to say it is a job he would like.
The United States coach, who took his country to the second round in the World Cup in South Africa, says although he has had no formal talks over the position, his representatives have made contact with Villa.
Asked on BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme whether he would be interested in the job, he said: “Of course, I think Aston Villa is a massive club with great history and a great following and those type of opportunities would of course be of interest.
“I would certainly be honoured to have that conversation but I’m impressed with the way things have been handled so far and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Villa (7/5 to beat the Toon) play Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon where they look for their second victory under caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald.
Bradley, 52, has a contract with the United States which runs until the end of the year, but he says is ambitious to manage in Europe.
He said: “I’ve always been excited about being a manager in Europe but at the same time I’m proud of the work we’ve done with the US team over the last four years. It is important to consider that as a challenge as well. So we’ll see what happens.
“There have been discussions with some of my representatives to at least find out the situation but Aston Villa seem to have taken a good stance where they have been patient.
“They have a very good man in Kevin MacDonald who is highly respected in the club so I think on the one hand they are probably putting a list together and on the other making sure Kevin has the time to consider his future as well. It has been handled very well.
“I had some people do some checking just to find out where things stood.”
Meanwhile, MacDonald admits he does not know if he would take the job on a full-time basis if he was offered it.
The experienced coach guided Villa to a 3-0 opening day victory over West Ham, followed by an impressive 1-1 draw away at Rapid Vienna in the Europa League in midweek.
However, the 49-year-old is unsure if he would take the job.
“If the results continue to be going reasonably well and Randy Lerner said that he wanted me to be considered alongside other people I would then push myself into the thought process of taking the job,” he said.
“But is that what I want to do and can I cope with it? At the present time Mr Lerner has said just keep doing the job. He realises just how much work is involved because of the lack of staff.
“From my point of view I have been concentrating so much on what has been going on that I’ve not had the opportunity to think whether I want this kind of job.
“I’m very wary that being a Premiership manager your life doesn’t become your own. You are in the public eye with every decision you make.
“That, along with all the other things, makes me wonder whether I want it 24 hours a day, seven days a week for however long it may be.”
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USA coach Bob Bradley has admitted he would be open to a move into European club management in the wake of Martin O’Neill’s decision to step down as Aston Villa boss (Villa 15/8 to secure a top-six finish).