Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is the front-runner to become the new Aston Villa boss, according to Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield.
What's the latest manager news at Aston Villa?
Following a 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Friday night, news emerged on Sunday that the Villans had sacked manager Dean Smith.
The 50-year-old guided the Birmingham club back to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2019 and last term helped them secure an 11th-placed finish in the top flight.
However, Villa have suffered five consecutive defeats in the Premier League, in the process conceding 13 goals, and currently find themselves just two points above the relegation zone in 16th place.
That is despite the club spending over £90m on new signings in the summer, although Villa actually made a net profit due to Jack Grealish's sale to Manchester City.
Clearly the club felt Villa's run of form couldn't continue for any longer, and they have seen the current international break as an opportune time to make a change.
What has Luke Hatfield said about the Villa job?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield described Rangers boss Gerrard as the front-runner to succeed Smith at Villa Park.
He said: "He's the front-runner at the moment. He's got links with Christian Purslow, and he's obviously done a fantastic job at Rangers. It seems like a step into English football would be the right way for Gerrard to go.
The Express and Star journalist added: "At the moment Gerrard is the front-runner. It's always going to be the case you're going to see bookies throw odds left, right and centre and Gerrard is one of the names right at the top of the list at the moment."
West Ham STUN Liverpool! Full reaction on The Football Terrace...
What is Steven Gerrard's managerial record?
Gerrard has only held one first-team managerial position to date, however it has by in large gone as well as possible.
Under his guidance, Rangers have re-emerged as the top force in Scottish football. They prevented Celtic from winning a historic tenth top flight title in a row last season and are currently four points ahead of their Glasgow rivals this term.
Overall, Gerrard has won 65% of his games in charge of the Gers. But if there's one lingering criticism of his time at Ibrox, it's Gerrard's failure to win a domestic cup competition.
How much that actually affects his suitability for the Villa job, however, remains a matter of debate.