Solskjaer reported to have pulled out of running

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is believed to have pulled out of the running to become the new Aston Villa manager.

The former Manchester United striker, currently manager of Norwegian side Molde, was interviewed by Villa owner Randy Lerner over the weekend.

But Solskjaer has opted not to be considered as Alex McLeish’s successor for personal reasons.

Sources close to the club are keen to stress Solskjaer was never offered the job by Lerner.

Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner will now step up their bid in other directions to replace McLeish who was sacked 10 days ago.

Brendan Rodgers (Swansea), Paul Lambert (Norwich) and Roberto Martinez (Wigan) are potential candidates.