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Aston Villa will approach Steve Bruce to replace Remi Garde if the embattled Frenchman quits this summer to return to Lyon.

Boss Garde’s former French club currently have his ex-assistant Bruno Genesio in charge since sacking Hubert Fournier in December.

Genesio admits he is likely to be replaced if Lyon, who are currently third in Ligue 1 but just four points above the team in eighth place, fail to qualify for Europe this season.

But Genesio says he is open to the prospect of linking up again with Garde this summer with his compatriot tipped to return to Ligue 1, where he successfully bossed Lyon from 2011-2014.

(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Garde has had a nightmare spell at Villa, who prop up the Premier League after only winning twice since he took over in November.

Villa, who host Spurs on Sunday, are doomed to relegation when Garde is widely expected to either walk or be sacked.

MirrorSport understands Bruce, who managed the Villans' bitter local rivals Birmingham City from 2001-07, is under consideration for the likely vacancy.

The 55-year-old, who still lives in the Midlands, is experienced in both the Championship and Premier League and could be tempted if his Hull side fail to go up this season.

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He has achieved promotion to the top-flight before with Birmingham (twice) and the Tigers, who are currently fourth in the second tier following relegation a year ago.

Villa are known to be considering alternatives with the future of Garde increasingly uncertain.

They angered their fans in summer 2011 by luring Alex McLeish across the second city from Birmingham.

The Scot lasted just one season, with the Villans narrowly avoiding relegation after a dismal run that saw them fail to win ANY of their final 10 league games.

Asked if he could revert to No 2 at Lyon again, Genesio said: “Only if it’s Remi - otherwise, this is not possible.

“Then, a new coach would perhaps not want to work with a former number one. Remi is a friend with whom I share the same football convictions.

(Image: Getty)

“It was always in the back of my head the idea of working with him again someday. We’re friends and we share many things in this business. It’s stronger than anything, even we have different characters.

“Our pairing was very complementary – I miss him. If there is a qualification for a European Cup, whatever it is, the president verbally told me that I would be renewed. Otherwise, I have three-year contract as assistant.”

Villa, meanwhile, this week reported losses of £27m in the year to May 31, 2015 with staff wages up £14m to £83m.

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The figures revealed that a director - believed to be under-fire CEO Tom Fox - collected £1.25m in salary.