Former Reds boss in line for Villa job and other red-hot gossip

(03-09-2010) Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is top of Aston Villa’s wanted list to fill the managerial vacancy at the club. According to reports, the Frenchman has already held talks with Villa owner Randy Lerner and has jumped to the front of the queue to fill the spot left by Martin O’Neil. Houllier has been out of work for the past three years. Elsewhere, Tottenham have been told to make a "better offer" for South Africa international Bongani Khumalo by the defender's club Supersport United; Spartak Moscow want Chelsea star Yuri Zhirkov, with the defender pushing for a move because sitting on the bench at Stamford Bridge is affecting his chances at international level; and Jamie Carragher has been offered a new three-year contract by Liverpool.