Gerard Houllier is widely reported to be on the verge of returning to English football as Aston Villa manager.

Sections of the British media say the 63-year-old former Liverpool manager will be appointed by the Premier League club this week after emerging as the leading contender to replace Martin O’Neill.

Houllier left Liverpool in 2004 after a six-year spell in charge and returned to France, where he coached Lyon between 2005-07. He is currently working for the French Football Federation as its technical director.

Villa’s American owner Randy Lerner has said he wanted to appoint someone with previous experience of managing in the Premier League.

O’Neill quit last month, just before the start of the season.