Norwich boss still fancied for Villa post

Paul Lambert remains the favourite for the vacant Aston Villa job but Roberto Martinez could be back in the mix again.

The Norwich City boss was tight lipped on rumours linking him to the Villa Park vacancy last week after Adam Drury's testimonial, but continues to head the list of candidates according to the UK oddsmakers. Norwich chief executive David McNally and owner Delia Smith were in Oslo on Saturday and remain reluctant to allow their manager the chance to speak to Paul Faulkner about the position. However, Lambert's main rival for the job now appears to be Roberto Martinez again with rumours on Merseyside suggesting that he has either turned down of lost his chance of the Liverpool job to Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers. Wigan boss Martinez returned from holiday in Barbados today and is set to give Latics chairman Dave Whelan a decision on his future at some point this week. Whelan is keen to end the uncertainty and begin preparations for next season amid reports that he has ex-Wigan boss Steve Bruce lined up for a second stint in charge if Martinez is ready to move on. Roberto Di Matteo could yet be a contender for the Villa job after Chelsea pressed on with the signing of Eden Hazard from Lille without his knowledge, leading to more speculation that he will not be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.