Former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley has ruled out becoming Aston Villa’s new manager after the resignation of David O'Leary since his reign as Villa boss finished after three years.

Curbishley, who played for Villa in the mid-1980s has been tipped as the favourite to succeed former Villa boss O'Leary, who left the club on Wednesday night.

Curbishley was among the leading contenders for the job along with ex-Celtic and Leicester City manager Martin O'Neill.

But 48-year-old Curbishley has opted to refuse the offer from the Midlands club of him resuming his managerial career at Villa Park.

When leaving Charlton Athletic after 15 years of management at the end of last season, Curbishley said how much he was looking forward to a break from football.

But, even though the offer of the England managers job would have cut short his sabbatical, he has no plans to take over at Villa Park.

“I did 15 years without a break at Charlton and I feel I have to recharge my batteries fully,” Curbishley told The Daily Mail.

“Obviously, I would have come back early if I'd been given the chance to manage England.

“But I didn't get that chance and so I've decided it is best to wait until October and take my time over a return."

Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce, who has also been linked with a move to Villa, has also dismissed any interest in taking over the reins at Villa Park, meaning that current caretaker manager Roy Aitken currently retains his place as head of the first team.

Villa are also reported to have refused an offer for for Czech Republic striker Milan Baros from SV Hamburg, who are still believed to be in the market for a striker, but their offer of a transfer was refused.