Norwich City manager Paul Lambert heads the Aston Villa shortlist to be their new manager, according to most of today's national newspapers.

And Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy has said there is 'no doubt' that Lambert will continue to be linked with managerial vacancies.

Today's Times, Daily Telegraph, Independent, Sun, Mirror, Daily Star and Daily Express all claim that Lambert is at the top of Villa's wanted list although bookmakers still have Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez leading the race.

Martinez himself told the BBC that he's 'done something well' to be linked with the Villa Park post but described the situation as speculation.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Ruddy said that he owes a lot to Lambert: 'He's a very driven man. People know what he did in his playing days and he's taken that same energy, enthusiasm and will to win into his management, as you've seen over the last few years.

'He will be linked, no doubt, with a number of jobs that come up. He's been massive, not just for the club but for me personally. He gave me a chance, he brought me into the club and he believed in me and it's the same with every player. His winning mentality rubs off on you. He's been massive for the club.'

Villa yesterday sacked Alex McLeish after a disappointing season which yielded just seven Premier League victories.