Steven Gerrard has once again been linked with a Premier League job after being installed as one of the favourites to replace Dean Smith at Aston Villa.
The Midlands club confirmed they had parted ways with Smith after suffering their fifth league defeat on the spin on Friday night.
Smith had been in charge for three seasons, helping Villa win promotion in 2019, before staying up in back-to-back seasons in the top flight..
CEO Christian Purslow said: “After a good start to last season, this year we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for.
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“For this reason we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact.”
According to reports Villa bosses have quickly narrowed their search for Smith’s successor to Gerrard and Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Gerrard has impressed since being named Rangers manager at the start of the 2018/19 season. The Liverpool legend guided the Glaswegians to the Scottish Premiership title, their first in 10 years and completed a record-breaking season in the process.
The Liverpool legend’s accomplishments north of the border have led to continuous speculation regarding a return to the Premier League.
He emerged as a contender for the Newcastle job last month, quickly being named as a frontrunner to replace Steve Bruce.
However, on that occasion Gerrard made it clear that he had no desire to leave Ibrox, responding to speculation with: “Do I look happy? Do I look settled? Don’t ask me silly questions then.”
Gerrard has a contract with the Scottish champions until 2024 and has repeatedly pushed back on any speculation about leaving.
Back in the summer he said: "I can't control any media speculation about my position. I don't welcome it, I don't add to it.
“All I do is focus on the job I have here and I'm very flattered and grateful for the position.
"I'm very happy here, I've said it on numerous occasions, it's a huge club, I'm settled, I'm happy and I can continue to develop and keep trying to push this team forward."
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The Telegraph report that along with the Rangers and Southampton managers, Villa’s committee are also looking at Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Villa sit 16th in the table after defeat to the Saints and find themselves just two points ahead of the relegation zone after 11 games of the season.
