Henry set for return to Monaco, leaving Terry as main Villa candidate

Thierry Henry has turned down the opportunity to manage Aston Villa after being approached by Monaco over an emotional return to the French club.

Villa are moving on from Henry by continuing discussions with other candidates, including Rui Faria and John Terry, who has told associates of his confidence in returning to the club he played for last season.

Faria is a genuine contender too after stepping down as Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Manchester United in the summer to pursue a career as a No 1.

Chief executive Christian Purslow wants to speak to all candidates, with Dean Smith and Brendan Rodgers potentially still in the frame after Henry’s decision.

Sportsmail revealed Villa’s determination to appoint Henry, a firm favourite of co-owner Nassef Sawiris, who used to have a season ticket at Arsenal.

But the attraction of succeeding Leonardo Jardim at Monaco, where Henry won silverware in a seven-year spell, has convinced the 41-year-old to enter into discussions with the Ligue 1 club.

The former Arsenal striker has a strong link with the principality outfit. He graduated from Monaco's academy to play 141 games for the club and only last month was a guest of owner Dmitry Rybolovlev for their Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid at the Stade Louis II.

Villa are advancing talks with other candidates, including Terry, who has a real chance of succeeding Steve Bruce.

Terry has been working with junior Chelsea teams as a coach and recently took charge of an Under 19 game. He turned down the chance of a move to Spartak Moscow.

Faria is firmly in the frame too – his case enhanced by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who is advising Sawiris – and the pair could even make a managerial duo.

New chief executive Purslow is leading the appointment process and wants a conclusion by the time of the side's next game against Swansea on October 20.