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Aston Villa want Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand to replace under-pressure Dean Smith – with Cardiff keen on Wales’ Page

ASTON VILLA will put Denmark’s national coach Kasper Hjulmand on their ‘watch list’ of future managers.

Hjulmand took the Danes to the Euro 2020 semis despite the Christian Eriksen crisis.

Kasper Hjulmand is on Aston Villa's shortlist if Dean Smith leaves the club
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Kasper Hjulmand is on Aston Villa's shortlist if Dean Smith leaves the clubCredit: EPA

And they are running away with their World Cup qualifying group.

The Danes have won all eight of their games, as they lead the table by seven points over Scotland.

The coach, 49, came in for at German club Mainz.

In his first eight games, he was undefeated. However, a dismal run of one win in his next 13 saw him sacked in his first season.

Highly-rated Hjulmand started at Lyngby and came through the ranks before two spells with Nordsjaelland, who reached the heights with him in charge.

Hjulmand’s potential and brand of football has admirers at Villa Park. And he could be a favourite if Dean Smith left the Midlands club.

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The pressure is mounting on Smith, after his side fell to defeat against Southampton on Friday.

Meanwhile, Wales chief Rob Page is fancied at Cardiff as they look for a new manager.

Page, 47, has led his country in a caretaker role. But he could be available if their hopes of World Cup qualification are dashed in the next two games.

If the Dragons fail, Page could become instantly attainable and that might interest the Bluebirds, who have been short-listing candidates.

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