Steven Gerrard is on the verge of being appointed Aston Villa manager, with confirmation of his appointment expected before the weekend.
Villa have been searching for a new boss since Dean Smith was given his marching orders after his side slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Southampton, which left them just two points above the relegation zone.
As 90min reported earlier this week, Gerrard soon emerged as the club's first choice to take over. He has a strong relationship with Villa CEO Christian Purslow from their time together at Liverpool and although Roberto Martinez, Paulo Fonseca, Kasper Hjulmand, Graham Potter and Ralf Rangnick were also discussed as possibilities, the Rangers boss is now poised to take over.
Gerrard has been an instant success in his first senior managerial role with the Gers. After a solid start, his side went unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership last season, preventing bitter rivals Celtic winning a tenth straight title.
90min understands that although Rangers would have preferred to keep him, the club will not stand in his way now Gerrard has requested permission to speak with Villa.
Thanks to the former Liverpool man's close relationship with Purslow, talks are not expected to take long and sources close to the club are confident his arrival can be announced before the weekend.
Gerrard's first game in charge should be a home match against Brighton on Saturday 20 November. After that he will take his charges to Crystal Palace before a tough test when Man City come to Villa Park.
Gerrard will be joined by his highly-rated assistants, Gary McAllister and Michael Beale, in the West Midlands.
Meanwhile, Rangers will now turn their attentions to replacing one of the most successful managers in their recent history.
They currently lead Celtic by four points in the Scottish Premiership table and still have a chance of progression to the knockout stages of the Europa League with two group games left to play.
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Source : 90min