Steven Gerrard is ‘interested’ in holding talks with Aston Villa over their vacant managerial position with the Rangers boss having emerged as the ‘number one target’ to replace Dean Smith.
Villa are searching for a new manager after bringing an end to Smith’s three-year reign at the club, a run of five consecutive Premier League defeats having left the side just two points clear of the relegation places.
Gerrard has now emerged as the preferred candidate for the role and the Mail are reporting that Villa will make a ‘formal approach’ to Rangers, in the hope an appointment can be finalised during the international break and before the club’s clash with Brighton on November 20.
Villa’s ownership have been impressed with Gerrard’s achievements during his first senior role at Ibrox, including leading Rangers to a drought-breaking Scottish Premiership title in unbeaten fashion last season.
The former Liverpool midfielder has insisted he remains happy at Rangers, but was frustrated at the club’s inability to significantly strengthen ahead of a potential Champions League campaign – losing to Malmo in the qualifiers – and is understood to be prepared to listen to Villa’s proposal.
Gerrard heads a shortlist that also contains Roberto Martinez, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand. Frank Lampard and Ralph Hasenhuttl have also been considered as successors to Smith.
