FRENCH VILLA

ALL CHANGE AS FALLEN GIANTS SAVED FROM RUIN New billionaire Egyptianowners want Henry to replace Bruce

THIERRY HENRY has emerged as a shock potential replacement for manager Steve Bruce after Aston Villa were saved from administration.

Egyptian multi-billionaire Nassef Sawiris yesterday bought a controlling stake in the troubled Championship club from Chinese chairman Dr Tony Xia.

London-based Sawiris, the richest Egyptian in the world with a net

wealth of £5billion, is now considering a change in the Villa Park hot seat. It opens the door for Arsenal legend Henry, who quit his £2millionper-year Sky pundit role this week, citing his wish to “fulfil my long-term ambition to become a football manager”.

Henry, 40, is the Gunners’ all-time leading goalscorer. He has been working as an assistant to Roberto Martinez (both left) for World Cup bronze medallists Belgium.

Bruce and his staff are in the dark on their futures after Villa’s investment was handled by the money men.

They are preparing the team for today’s friendly at League One Burton.

Xia has opted to sell around 55 per cent to Sawiris and Fortress Investment Group co-founder Wes Edens. They are set to call the shots about who manages the Villans this coming campaign ahead of a likely full buy-out.

Bruce has been in charge since October 2016. Last season, despite cut-backs, Villa came fourth and reached the play-off final.