ASTON VILLA HAVE, according to reports, ruled out the possibility of Mark Hughes becoming their new manager, following the Welshman’s sudden resignation as Fulham boss yesterday.

Hughes had previously been favourite to succeeded Gerard Houllier as Villa’s next manager, however the Midlands club were reportedly unimpressed by the manner in which Hughes dealt with his Fulham exit.

Martin Jol and Steve McClaren are amongst the current favourites to become Villa’s new manager.

It has also been reported that Hughes had verbally agreed to sign a new contract with the club, just 24 hours before his resignation.

Speaking to The Sun, a so-called Fulham club insider said: “On Wednesday evening there was a fully negotiated two-year contract with a substantial pay rise just needing to be checked over by lawyers and to be signed by Mark Hughes.”

Following his departure, Hughes claimed his decision to resign was not influenced by an outside party. However contrasting reports have indicated that Hughes was expecting to be offered the Villa post after his resignation.

Club chairman Mohamed Al Fayed was reportedly infuriated by Hughes’ behaviour, with a spokesperson for the club stating: ”The chairman became increasingly annoyed by Mark positioning himself for another club, whilst still negotiating with us, and having agreed terms.”

Hughes gave his own reasoning for leaving Fulham, explaining that as ”a young, ambitious manager I wish to move on to further my experiences”. It has also been claimed that Fulham were unable to meet Hughes’ wage demands during contract negotiations.

It is not the first time the Welshman has left a club under acrimonious circumstances.

His departure from Blackburn to take charge of Manchester City in 2008 drew similar scepticism among some fans and critics at the time.

For more information read this story at The Guardian.