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

O’Neill made the decision to quit the club after four years in charge at Villa Park and as yet no reason has been given for his departure, just days before the new season kicks off.

It has been speculated the former Celtic and Leicester boss may have stepped down over the club’s sale of James Milner, with the England midfielder expected to sign for Manchester City after the Three Lion’s friendly with Hungary on Wednesday for a fee of around £24million.

Tottenham are also said to be keen on Villa winger Ashley Young and although little is known about any potential deal involving Young, the wider media have suggested that O’Neill is said to be disappointed the club are planning to sell his star players without giving him a sufficient budget to draft in replacements.

Villa’s American owner, Randy Lerner, is now on the look-out for a replacement and his compatriot Bradley is among the early contenders to take over at Villa, with the USA coach admitting he would welcome a move to Europe at some point.

“I have said over and over as well that I am always excited about new and different challenges,” said Bradley.

“Certainly coaching in Europe at some point is something that I would love to do.”

However, Bradley did not rule out the possibility that he would remain with the USA and lead them through their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup.

The USA take on Brazil, who will host the 2014 tournament, in a friendly on Wednesday and Bradley is expected to make a decision regarding his future following the tie (USA 3/1, draw 9/4, Brazil 4/5).

He added: “At the same time, I also consider it a challenge when you finish one (World Cup ) cycle and begin the process of working on another one. From the time one World Cup ends, you begin to go through the process of assessing where you are.”

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has also been linked with the vacant manager’s position at Villa Park, while Martin Jol and Slaven Bilic have also been suggested as possible candidates.

Reserve team coach Kevin MacDonald will take charge for Villa’s season opener against West Ham (Match Betting – Villa 8/11, draw 12/5, West Ham 16/5).

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