According to Aston Villa's official website, Aston Villa have signed free agent goalkeeper Andy Marshall to a deal that lasts until June 2011.

According to ESPN Soccernet, Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier spoke about how interested he is in Manchester United striker Michael Owen. Houllier told Canal+,

"He has always been in my thoughts ... I like him, as a player and a man.

According to John Curtis at The Independent, former West Ham manager Alan Curbishley interviewed for the Aston Villa manager position yesterday.

Ronald Koeman has also expressed his interest in the coaching position today.

UPDATE: According to The Guardian, Aston Villa hope to sign manager Gerard Houllier within the next 48 hours.

September 3rd 2010: According to Sky Sports News, Roberto Donadoni is interested in the Aston Villa coaching position.

UPDATE: According to Aston Villa's official website, Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of manager Gerard Houllier.

September 7th 2010: According to L'Equipe, Aston Villa are set to confirm the signing of manager Gerard Houllier this week.

Today Phil Thompson told the Birmingham Mail why he turned down the Assistant Manager position at Aston Villa. Thompson said,

"Sometimes in life you get presented with an opportunity that is too good to be true but, ultimately, has to be turned down.

According to James Nursey at MirrorFootball, Aston Villa have begun new contract talks with 25-year-old midfielder Ashley Young in the hopes of signing him to a new deal to lure him away from interested teams, like Tottenham.

It is reported that Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner met with Young's representatives this week.

According to Louise Taylor at the Guardian, Middlesbrough assistant manager Gary McAllister has asked the club for permission to hold talks with Aston Villa so that he can be the new assistant to Gerard Houllier.

It is reported that Middlesbrough initially rejected McAllister's request but they won't continue to do so if he really wants to move on.