Brentford head coach Dean Smith refused to comment on rumours regarding Aston Villa lining him up as a potential replacement for under-pressure boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Speculation has hinted that the Italian, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, may be shown the door if the Villans fail to beat Preston at the weekend.

Villa have struggled so far this Championship season, winning just once, drawing seven and losing two, and have found holding onto leads their Achilles heel.

And Smith, who supported the club as a youngster, has been named as a possible candidate to take up the role at Villa Park.

“Aston Villa have got a manager in charge, I have no more to say,” Smith said.

“I don't really talk about other clubs when there are managers in charge. I was a boyhood Villa fan. Now my job is solely on Brentford Football Club and I'm thoroughly enjoying that.”

Smith's Brentford take on Championship new boys Wigan Athletic at Griffin Park on Saturday.