MANCHESTER, England, August 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On line betting firmBetfred.com have dismissed the chances of Diego Maradona becoming the nextAston Villa boss.

European spokesman for Maradona Walter Soriano said the former World Cupwinner would be interested.

"Diego is very attracted to English football and the way of life in yourcountry and I know he would be very willing to move there."

He went on to say...

"He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so hewould be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa...

If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I'm surehe'd get a very positive response."

Although Maradona may give a positive response the bookies have theformer Argentinean boss as a big outsider.

Betfred.com spokesman Mark Pearson,

"He was the villain for all England fans in 1986 but we can't see him inthe managerial hot seat at Aston Villa. He would certainly be entertaining inthe Premier League but we see the caretaker Kevin MacDonald as a morerealistic proposition and he's now the 13/8 favourite. It's been a veryvolatile market with both Sven Goran Eriksson and USA boss Bob Bradleygetting supported."

Aston Villa this week have a Europa League qualifier away at Rapid Viennaand on Sunday they are away at Newcastle United.

    Next Permanent Aston Villa Manager          13/8 Macdonald, Kevin           7/2 Eriksson, Sven-Goran           9/2 Bradley, Bob           7/1 Jol, Martin          14/1 Curbishley, Alan          14/1 Southgate, Gareth          20/1 Hoddle, Glenn          20/1 Mcclaren, Steve          20/1 Klinsmann, Jurgen          25/1 Bilic, Slaven          25/1 Martinez, Roberto          25/1 Collins, John          25/1 Pearce, Stuart          33/1 Maradona, Diego    Others on Request    Contact: Mark Pearson, mark.pearson@betfred.com

SOURCE Betfred.com