With former deputies Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh set to sign new contracts at Premier League leaders Leicester City, Pearson will need a new backroom staff and has identified Powell as a potential assistant.

Powell was a player and coach during Pearson’s first spell at Leicester and almost joined him at Fulham late last year before the move broke down.

Sacked by Huddersfield in November, Powell still has designs on remaining a manager but the lure of working with Pearson at a huge club like Villa would undoubtedly appeal.

Villa sources insist the club are still compiling their shortlist and have made no approaches, with David Moyes, Steve Bruce and Sean Dyche also in contention. The football board of David Bernstein, Brian Little, Sir Mervyn King and Adrian Bevington are charged with making the decision, with their recommendations to be signed off by owner Randy Lerner.