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How Aston Villa could line up under Mauricio Pochettino with Wijnaldum and Sanchez as ex-Tottenham manager is lined up

ASTON VILLA could have a very different look if they appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager.

The Argentine is believed to be the frontrunner to take over after Steven Gerrard was sacked following the 3-0 defeat to Fulham.

Aston Villa have targeted Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager

Poch could try to sign former players like Gini Wijnaldum if he arrives

Lucas Moura could also be on his shortlist

Pochettino could add several players to the squad in January

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is also believed to be under consideration but Villa realise that would be a very ambitious move.

Pochettino may be more keen on the gig as he has been out of work since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

He has been linked to Manchester United and Chelsea in recent months but a Prem return at Villa Park could appeal, particularly if he is given money to spend.

Villa have spent big in recent transfer windows and could allow Pochettino to add to a squad that has just two wins in 11 games.

With the team in a precarious position Poch could look to bring in tried-and-tested players he has worked with before.

And there are plenty of players he signed for former clubs PSG and Tottenham who are currently on the fringes and could be allowed to leave.

One such player is Lucas Moura, who flourished under Pochettino at Spurs.

The Brazilian’s hat-trick against Ajax sent Poch’s side to the Champions League final but he has struggled for game time under Antonio Conte and could be allowed to leave in January.

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Georginio Wijnaldum is in a similar situation at PSG after signing as a free agent under Pochettino.

Villa could try to seek loan moves for the pair if Pochettino looks to refresh his squad with pace and energy.

There are defensive issues as the team kept just two clean sheets in 11 games under Stevie G, and that could also be addressed in the January market.

If Pochettino arrives he could look to Tottenham centre-back Davinson Sanchez and his former team-mate Juan Foyth, who is now impressing at Villarreal after breaking into the Spurs team under Poch.

The 50-year-old also built a reputation at White Hart Lane for giving youngsters like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks a chance, so there could be more opportunities for the likes of Cameron Archer to impress.