Hughes - the odd-on favourite to succeed Gerard Houllier - is technically a free agent after his June 1 contract deadline passed. The Cottagers want the 47-year-old to stay after he masterminded an eighth-placed league finish, as well as qualification for the Europa League through the Fair Play table, last season - and further talks between the two parties are expected to take place. But Villa are understood to be keen to exploit the Welshman's break clause after agreeing a severance package with Houllier. Houllier left Villa Park on Wednesday night after just nine months in charge, with owner Randy Lerner considering it too risky to keep the Frenchman on following his heart scare. Houllier's assistant, Gary McAllister, former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and Everton's David Moyes have also been linked with the Villa Park hotseat.
