Aston Villa hope to confirm the arrival of Gerard Houllier as boss within the next few hours.
It has been known since earlier in the week that the Frenchman was set to take charge at Villa Park but Houllier first needed to negotiate his release from his post as technical director with the French Football Federation.
Houllier is now thought to have resigned his post with the FFF and looks set to be named as boss at Villa Park later this evening, with the club hopeful a statement can be released later today.
The former Liverpool and Lyon boss will take charge of Villa for the first time on Monday night in the Premier League fixture with Stoke.