Aston Villa are in talks with Tim Sherwood over their vacant manager's job, according to Sky sources.

Sherwood is Sky Bet's odds-on favourite to replace Paul Lambert, who was sacked this week with Villa in the Premier League relegation places.

And discussions have now begun with the former Tottenham boss, who we understand spoke to QPR about their manager's job only for a deal to falter over personal terms.

Villa are seeking a permanent replacement for Lambert, and it is thought United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann has also been considered.

First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall are in charge in the short-term, and the former believes a manager with experience should be the target.

"This is a big club and it's not somewhere for someone to cut their teeth," he said.

"I would say there's not many things which are going to prepare you for this experience so I think a manager with experience is probably necessary but it's not really my decision or my call."

Sherwood has just six months experience as boss of Spurs, where he won half of his 28 games in charge before leaving the club at the end of last season.