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Aston Villa have been without a manager since Dean Smith left the club earlier this week.

The West Midlands side endured their tenth successive match without a win at the weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton – leading to Smith’s departure after three years with his boyhood club.

Villa have since been linked with a number of names including former assistant coach John Terry and ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, however it is Rangers boss Steven Gerrard that is currently favourite for the job.

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 30: Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is seen with Fashion Sakala during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Rangers FC at on October 30, 2021 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The former Liverpool midfielder has been with Rangers since 2018 - two years after he retired following a spell with LA Galaxy.

The 41-year-old has been hugely successful during his time in Scotland, helping them win the Scottish Premiership last season by a staggering 25 points.

Rangers currently sit top of the league after 13 matches of the current campaign and are also third in their Europa League group where they have faced Lyon, Sparta Prague and Brondby.

Following reports that Gerrard was set to inform Rangers that he wanted to return to the Premier League with Villa, Birmingham Live have now reported that the move is ‘all but done’.

Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (R) celebrates with Liverpool's English midfielder Jordan Henderson after scoring the winning goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on May 2, 2015. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS

Journalist Ashley Preece has said the ex-England international is finalising his backroom staff and expects an announcement within the next 24 to 48 hours – if not sooner.

Gerrard has spoken on numerous occasions previously of his aim to one day manage his hometown club Liverpool and the opportunity to join Aston Villa could be a perfect step on his way to achieving his dream.

The Reds are currently enjoying a superb period with current boss Jurgen Klopp and the German could remain in Liverpool for a number of years, meaning Gerrard is likely to remain where he is or take up another position until the chances arises for him to take over at his beloved club.

Villa had clearly hoped to get a new manager in before the Premier League returned next weekend and it looks like they have done their business very quickly if Gerrard is to arrive before the weekend.

One thing for certain is that Rangers fans will be disappointed to see their gaffer depart after such a brilliant spell in Scotland.

Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa 'all but done' as ex-Liverpool midfielder prepares to leave Rangers