Tuesday 27 October 2015 10:31, UK
Aston Villa's pursuit of Remi Garde has hit a snag over Lyon's refusal to release the man he wants as his assistant.
Sky sources understand the former Lyon manager is top of Villa's list as they seek a replacement for Tim Sherwood, who was sacked on Sunday after a sixth straight Premier League defeat.
But Garde will not take the job unless he can bring with him Gerald Baticle, currently assisting Hubert Fournier at the Stade de Gerland, and Metz fitness coach Robert Duverne.
And Sky sources say Lyon are flatly refusing to allow Baticle permission to speak to Villa about a move.
It is understood their reluctance to lose Baticle was behind the collapse of Garde's proposed appointment at Newcastle following Alan Pardew's departure at the turn of the year.
Duverne, meanwhile, was part of the Villa staff during Gerard Houllier's time as manager in 2010/11.
In the meantime Kevin MacDonald is in temporary charge in a reprisal of the role he first filled following Martin O'Neill's 2010 exit.
