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Molde confirm Solskjaer's Villa talks

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was Manchester United's reserve team boss until 2011 © Getty Images

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Norwegian club Molde have confirmed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in talks with Aston Villa about the club's vacant manager's job.

Reports emerged on Friday that the former Manchester United striker had become Villa owner Randy Lerner's preferred candidate to succeed Alex McLeish, who was sacked following a drab Premier League campaign.

And Molde, who won the Norwegian title under Solskjaer last October, have no confirmed Villa's formal interest.

"Molde Football Club is aware of interest and contact from Aston Villa, and is aware that Aston Villa and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are talking together," a statement on the club's official website read.

Solskjaer is remembered as something of a cult figure at Old Trafford, where he scored 126 goals in 366 appearances over 11 seasons - including a famous goal in the 1999 Champions League final.

He was in charge of United's reserve team before beginning his managerial career at Molde.

Former Aston Villa striker John Carew believes Solskjaer is an ideal candidate to lead the Midlands club out of the doldrums.

Carew, who spent four years with Villa, scoring 52 goals in 133 appearances, said: "This would be a fantastic job for Ole Gunnar to have.

"Villa are among the six, seven biggest clubs in England. They have fantastic fans and a fantastic stadium.

"Solskjaer is a big name in England. On top of that, he has the mentality and respect from players he needs to suceed.''

Speaking to Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, Carew added: "Villa are also a club who, without doubt, love Norwegians and Scandinavians.

"I've received tweets from Villa fans today who want Solskjaer as their new manager. I think Villa will work really well under his leadership.

"Everything suggests Solskjaer can have a great managerial career in England.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.