Aston Villa's attempts to employ Remi Garde as their next permanent manager have hit a stumbling block, with Lyon refusing to allow two of their backroom staff to leave and join Garde. 

Garde has only had one job in management, in France with Lyon between 2011-2014, winning two trophies during his time at the club, following six years there as a player.

Now, having been out of a job for over a year, he is the favourite to take over from Tim Sherwood at Villa, after the Englishman was sacked last week with the Villans bottom of the table. 

Houston, we have a problem

Randy Lerner and co quickly approached him, and talks were going smoothly until an unfortunate problem was found, which may well prevent Garde from taking over at Villa Park.

The Frenchman is keen to bring with him two coaches that worked under him at Lyon, staying there after he left. Bruno Genesio and Gerald Baticle, the two men in question, are thought to be open to a move, unlike their current employers. 

Starting by expressing his delight for Garde, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said that "Remi deserves a big club", but was quick to add that "an assistant under contract cannot leave. And a deputy cannot ask that."

If not Garde, then who?

It's unlikely that he'll change his mind, which could push Garde away from the role, or he'll demand huge compensation, which could make Villa look elsewhere for an appointment. 

David Moyes looks like an obvious choice, as he's got Premier League experience in bundles and did well with limited funds at Everton. However, he's currently employed by Real Sociedad in Spain, and unlikely to leave.

Nigel Pearson and Brendan Rodgers have been other names touted for the position, but neither are too keen on a swift return to management, after leaving their jobs in the past few months - leaving the Villa hierarchy with quite the predicament. 

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