Aston Villa close to appointing Steven Gerrard as manager

An appointment could be expected in the next 24 to 48 hours

Aston Villa are close to confirming the appointment of Steven Gerrard as their new manager, with an announcement expected in the next 24 to 48 hours. According Birmingham Live, Villa have been in contact with the current Rangers boss, with the last few details being sorted, including confirmation of Gerrard's backroom staff. https://twitter.com/PreeceObserver/status/1458415975578079234?s=20 Reports north of the border suggest the deal could move quickly after the Scottish Premiership champions were braced for an approach for Gerrard, who now looks certain to replace Dean Smith, who was sacked last weekend. CEO Christian Purslow is supposedly confident of being able to secure the club's number one target and they could be able to secure Gerrard for under £3 million, despite the former England international being under contract until 2024. The former Liverpool midfielder has received huge praise for his time at Ibrox, helping guide Rangers to a first top-flight title in 10 years in an unbeaten campaign and currently has them leading the Scottish Premiership by four points. Gerrard's first task at Villa will be to halt their poor form which has seen them lose five games in a row - their last points being picked up at Old Trafford back in September. Given Villa's spending in the summer, which saw them bring in the likes of Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings, there will be pressure on Gerrard to propel the West Midlands side back up the table and into the top half. Should the 41-year-old be appointed, he will have plenty of time to prepare for his first game in charge, which would be Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on 20 November. Related links:

• Dean Smith claims he would’ve ‘continued progress’ at Aston Villa
• Dean Smith sacked by Aston Villa
• Former Rangers manager Walter Smith dies aged 73