The former Everton and Manchester United boss topped an Express & Star poll asking fans who they want to take the reins at Villa Park, following Garde's exit by mutual consent on Tuesday night.

In an online vote of more than 1,000 supporters, Moyes polled 40 per cent, with ex-Leicester boss Nigel Pearson just behind with 36 per cent.

The two men currently head a betting market that also features former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy and ex-Swansea manager Garry Monk.

Villa may also seek to approach Burnley boss Sean Dyche, though Hull City have issued a 'hands-off' warning over their manager Steve Bruce, another name in the frame.

Bottom of the table, 12 points adrift of safety and almost certainly destined for relegation, Villa are in no rush to make an appointment with the club's hierarchy well aware this is a decision they must get right.

New director David Bernstein and Brian Little, who has been appointed an advisor to the board, are leading the search and thought to favour a British manager with experience of working in the Championship.

Eric Black, Garde's assistant, has been placed in temporary charge and is likely to remain in post well beyond Saturday's home game with Chelsea.

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Former Villa favourite Ian Taylor, meanwhile, believes the right men have been held accountable for the club's disastrous campaign.

Garde's exit followed that of chief executive Tom Fox and sporting director Hendrik Almstadt.

Taylor said: "I think the writing was on the wall for some time. It's clear things have not been right from the top downwards."