Manchester United veteran Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on shortlist to be Aston Villa manager Solskjaer, the former Manchester United forward and current manager of Norwegian side Molde, is on Lerner's radar along with Roberto Martinez, Paul Lambert and Brendan Rodgers. The 39 year-old fits the criteria of a young, ambitious manager that has been identified as crucial following the difficult spells endured by Alex McLeish and Gerard Houllier. The odds plummeted on Thursday night on him becoming McLeish's successor but there has been no official approach. Lerner, who flew into England on Wednesday, is still assembling a battle plan with Paul Faulkner, the Aston Villa chief executive. But the fact Solskjaer has emerged as a surprise contender for the post only underlines how his stock is rising after an impressive start to his managerial career. After a distinguished playing career predominantly with United, where he spent 11 seasons and scored 126 goals in 366 appearances, he coached the reserves for 2½ years before taking the job in his native country. He guided Molde to their first league title in October and his contract, which runs to the summer of 2014, is believed to contain a substantial buy-out clause. It is believed Martinez, the Wigan manager, remains Villa's preferred target even though he rejected the job last summer. McLeish, who was dismissed by Lerner on Monday after 11 months, issued a typically dignified statement through the League Managers Association yesterday expressing his disappointment at a nightmare tenure. He said: "When I accepted the role as manager of Aston Villa Football Club I was acutely aware of the responsibility I had to find the best way to serve the great traditions of one of the finest clubs in professional football. I was truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to manage the club, which plays such an important part in the fabric of the local community and to its worldwide fan base. My only regret in leaving now is we weren't able to achieve more for the supporters and their huge expectations. Villa are expected to move quickly as they fear competition from West Bromwich Albion, who are also searching for a new manager following the departure of Roy Hodgson to England. Martinez and Rodgers are also on Albion's short-list, while Birmingham City's Chris Hughton remains a serious contender. A surprise choice for Villa could be Kevin MacDonald, who has established an excellent reputation in charge of the club's reserves. The Scot, 51, nurtured many of Villa's young players and has strong support in the dressing room. MacDonald has made it clear to Villa's hierarchy he wants to be considered.