Aston Villa have denied any interest in appointing Diego Maradona as manager after the former Argentina manager revealed an interest in the vacancy at Villa Park.

The former Argentina manager's European representative, Walter Soriano, claims the 49-year-old is in talks with a number of clubs over a possible move to Europe.

The former Napoli and Argentina star left his position as Argentina coach last month after his side were hammered 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Maradona's reputation in England will be forever tarnished by his "Hand of God" goal at the 1986 World Cup, but Soriano insists his client would be open to an approach from the Villa owner Randy Lerner.

He told the Sunday Mercury: "I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa. He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there.

"He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would 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 am sure he would get a very positive response. Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe - including another one in England - about a management role and is looking at his options carefully."

Villa, however, have dismissed any talk of appointing Maradona.

Lerner is seeking a new permanent manager at Villa Park after Martin O'Neill quit just days before the start of the Premier League season.

Kevin MacDonald was in caretaker charge as Villa began the new campaign with a convincing 3-0 win against West Ham United yesterday.