Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his backing to Remi Garde amid reports that he is favourite to take charge of Aston Villa.

The Midlands outfit are searching for a new boss after sacking Tim Sherwood following six Premier League defeats in a row.

Garde is wanted by Villa but the Frenchman has reportedly been blocked by former club Lyon from approaching assistant coach Gerald Baticle about joining his backroom staff at the English club.

"I am convinced he is a frontrunner," Wenger said in this morning's press conference. "He has some problems to sort out with his assistants who work with Lyon. I believe it is a challenge he should take. Advice? You know our job is about personality and having the courage to live with your ideas.

"Honestly I have a lot of respect for all the managers at Villa. I believe Sherwood was not given time. [Paul] Lambert was not given time - I don't know why.

"Remi is an intelligent man who is now experienced. He will try to get his ideas across and hopefully he can work. They have five or six French players who have not all had an impact."

Garde spent three years in charge of Lyon.