Steven Gerrard: Rangers manager high on Aston Villa shortlist to replace Dean Smith

Former Liverpool player and current Rangers FC boss Steven Gerrard remains high on Aston Villa’s list of potential targets to replace Dean Smith – but other contenders are under discussion.

Villa’s hierarchy are impressed by Gerrard’s work in revitalising Rangers in what is his first managerial job.

Gerrard has long touted as a future Liverpool boss, but Villa may be ready to try to tempt him to Villa Park.

The 41-year-old is also well known to Villa chief executive and ex-Reds managing director Christian Purslow.

Gerrard, however, is not the only name being considered and Villa are determined to conduct a proper recruitment process during the international break to identify their new manager, with the hope of having him in charge for their next game at home to Brighton on 20 November.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez and his Denmark counterpart Kasper Hjulmand, who led his country to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, are also of interest to the Villa board.

Southampton’s Ralph Hasenhuttl is another admired by Villa but has strong loyalty to Southampton, while Brighton’s Graham Potter would be another prime contender for any vacant post, but it is highly doubted he would currently be tempted away from the Amex Stadium.

BBC/Emmanuel Ukoh