Ashley Preece: Steven Gerrard set to join Aston Villa from Rangers
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is set to join Aston Villa as he makes a decision on his backroom staff, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.
The reliable Aston Villa correspondent took to his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon to provide the information.
Gerrard has been strongly linked with the Midlands club all week, and it appears they have finally gotten their man.
Preece said: “Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa all but done as he finalises his backroom staff.
“I’m expecting an announcement within the next 24 to 48 hours if not sooner. Christian Purslow set to get his man.”
Woah
Gerrard leaving Rangers for Villa suddenly became a matter of when and not if in recent hours, and it seems it has finally happened.
The Premier League side parted with Dean Smith on Sunday and immediately identified the Light Blues boss as their man.
Having won the Premiership last term, the 41-year-old saw his reputation soar down south, and he was recently linked with the Newcastle United job.
Given his relationship with Villa CEO Purslow, the links were inevitable once Smith was sacked.
Rangers will be pocketing what is expected to be a sizeable compensation from the English club, and that should be a fair reward.
Not many would have predicted him leaving Ibrox during the campaign, but it appears such a job was too tempting to turn down.
Of course, nothing official has come out, but it looks like something could be confirmed in the coming days.
The Light Blues need to find a quality replacement capable of keeping the momentum going, and an appointment could be made before the end of the international break.
In other Rangers news, the Bears are plotting January swoop for teenage striking sensation, five PL clubs in pursuit too.