RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard is closing in on a deal to become the new manager of Aston Villa.

The 41-year-old is poised to bring an end to his Ibrox career just months after leading the champions to their historic 55th title success last term.

Villa identified Gerrard as their prime candidate to replace Dean Smith following his sacking at the weekend and are now set to land their top target in the coming days.

The deal will see the Liverpool legend return south of the border three-and-a-half years after he made the switch from Anfield to Ibrox to begin his managerial career.

Villa have moved swiftly to bring Gerrard on board in the aftermath of Smith's dismissal and his first game in charge will be the Premier League visit of Brighton and Hove Albion next Saturday.

Rangers will receive a multi-million pound compensation package for Gerrard and talks are continuing regarding his backroom staff as he gets set to begin the next stage of his coaching career in the Midlands.

Gerrard leaves the champions with a four-point advantage over Celtic in the Premiership title race and Rangers must now start their own search as attentions turn to the Premier Sports Cup clash with Hibernian next Sunday.