McClaren is under strong consideration from Villa owner Randy Lerner to take over from Gerard Houllier.

Villa are currently drawing up a final shortlist after sounding out possible candidates.

Talks with McClaren - and other potential replacements for Houllier - are expected to take place later this week.

If all goes to plan, Villa are hoping to appoint a new manager next week.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez and Bolton boss Owen Coyle are believed to be other potential Villa targets.

Former Villa midfielder George Boateng has urged fans to judge McClaren on his club management record rather than his spell as England coach if he is appointed.

McClaren came under fire after England failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.

But Boateng points to McClaren's success with Middlesbrough - he led them to the League Cup and UEFA Cup final - and with FC Twente in Holland.

Boateng, who played under McClaren at Boro, said: "Because of the England situation, it's been really hard for Steve [McClaren] back in England.

"I understand some of the fans' frustrations because everyone was so disappointed when England didn't qualify.

"His club record is phenomenal, the things he did in England, besides his success in Holland, are great

"At the end of the day people have to look at the bigger picture."

Boateng added: "Johan Cruyff was a big fan of Steve McClaren. He said Steve made Twente play the sort of football Holland should be playing in the national team.

"That's a huge compliment. I think he's a good manager overall."

If McClaren is appointed by Villa, one of his first tasks will be to convince England winger Stewart Downing, whom he managed at Boro, to stay at the midlands club.

Downing has intimated he is unwilling to sign a new contract and is being linked with a move Liverpool.

Villa are already resigned to losing the services of Ashley Young, who is expected to join Manchester United in the next few days.