Former Manchester United striker Old Gunnar Solskjaer is a contender for the vacant managers' role at Aston Villa, according to The Daily Mail.

Villa parted company with Alex McLeish on Monday after the club accumulated their lowest points total in Premier League history and finished just two points above the relegation zone last term.

Solskjaer is currently managing Molde in Norway, and won the league title in his debut season at the helm for the first time in the club's history.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Solskjaer won the league title with Molde in his first season as manager.

The ex-Norwegian international begun his playing career at Molde before moving to United in 1996, and quickly became a cult hero among the Old Trafford following.

In 1999, the season United secured the treble, Solskjaer netted the late winner to down Bayern Munich, and claim the second European Cup in the club's history.

His habit of scoring late goals followed him through most of his United career, which saw him partner the likes of Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney in attack.

Injuries disrupted the remainder of his time at United, however having scored 126 goals 366 appearances, he's regarded as one of the club's greatest players in the modern era.

He took charge of The Red Devils reserve side following his retirement, winning the Premier Reserve League and Lancashire Senior Cup during his three-year spell in charge.

Such success saw him switch to Molde in 2011, where he enjoyed instant success.

Solskjaer has long been linked with taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson when he eventually calls time on his illustrious career with the 19-time league champions.

Now the favourite with the bookies, Solskjaer will face competition from Norwich City boss Paul Lambert and Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez for the post.

The position at Villa Park is one of four vacant Premier League roles, with Chelsea, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion all to appoint permanent managers.

Chelsea have yet to appoint a permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas, with interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, who has guided the club to the Champions League final, the current frontrunner.

Liverpool parted ways with Kenny Dalglish on Wednesday, and former Chelsea manager Villas-Boas has emerged as the favourite to take over, despite his disastrous spell at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, West Brom are seeking a replacement for new England manager Roy Hodgson who left The Hawthorns side at the end of the season.

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney