Jol fan's favourite for Villa job

Ajax manager Martin Jol is the number one choice of Aston Villa fans to replace Martin O’Neill according to a local newspaper poll.

Jol is wanted by 28% of Villa supporters in a survey conducted by the Birmingham Mail.

The former Tottenham boss looked set to move to Fulham last month before Ajax insisted he saw out the remainder of his contract.

Everton boss David Moyes is the second choice, polling 16.8%, with Jurgen Klinsmann in third spot (12.1%).

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish collected 3.5% of the vote despite the rivalry between the clubs.

But City are confident McLeish will commit his long-term future to St Andrew’s by signing a new deal.

McLeish held further talks earlier in the week over the proposed deal and a source close to the club said “negotiations over a new contract are proceeding well”.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has already indicated he would be willing to take over from O’Neill.

Former skipper Gareth Southgate is also believed to be keen on the post.