Steven Gerrard would be interested in speaking with Aston Villa over becoming their next manager, as the Premier League outfit prepare to talk to Rangers, as per the Daily Mail.
The Villans plan to make a formal approach to the Premiership title-holders to sound out Gerrard’s availability. He is their top target to replace Dean Smith, after firing the 50-year-old on Sunday following five-straight top-flight defeats.
Gerrard impressed Aston Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, plus Chief Executive Christian Purslow, with his Ibrox success. Taking the Gers to their first title in a decade and ending Glasgow rivals Celtic’s nine-in-a-row dominance.
Gerrard would be interested in speaking to Aston Villa over replacing Smith if Rangers grant the Birmingham outfit permission.
The clubs will also have to agree compensation with the Liverpool icon under contract until 2024. But the Express and Star note Villa are ready to pay a large sum for the right coach.
Gerrard has shown loyalty to Rangers since taking his first step into management at Ibrox in May 2018. However, the club frustrated him when they failed to strengthen in the summer.
A lack of investment played its part in the Gers losing their Champions League qualifiers to Malmo. They are also third in their Europa League group after one win in four games so far.
What would Rangers boss Gerrard bring as next Aston Villa manager?
Rangers boss Gerrard is one of a number Aston Villa are considering as their next manager after sacking Smith. But he is the leading name, and would likely bring his backroom team.
Assistant coaches Tommy Culshaw, Gary McAllister, first-team coach Michael Beale and Head of Performance Jordan Milsom would likely follow Gerrard to Birmingham.
Whoever Aston Villa hire will need their own backroom team, after Craig Shakespeare left in line with Smith’s departure. And Gerrard – with his team – has done a praise-worthy job at Ibrox, to earn admiration from Sir Alex Ferguson, who told The Guardian in May:
“Oh, he’s done magnificent. He really has, both on and off the field. A press interview can lose you your job in management. But Steven’s press conferences are fantastic. He’s cool, he’s composed, he gives the right answers. He’s really top because it’s an art.”
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