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Steven Gerrard is close to becoming Aston Villa’s new boss, according to reports. Dean Smith was axed last week after a poor string of results, which has left Villa in the midst of a relegation battle.
According to a report in the Daily Record, Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor is confident Gerrard will be announced as the new boss imminently.
"I'm hearing reports it's close to being done as well,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.
"I think for Steven Gerrard it's the perfect club, it gets him to the Premier League, managing in the Premier League.
"Aston Villa, the fifth richest owners in the English Premier League, they've got money to spend, they will give him money to spend in January, if needed.
Steven Gerrard is reportedly close to become Aston Villa's new manager (Image: GETTY)
"Look at the squad of players, that's a squad of players who should be fighting to get into the top six, they have got some really good players in there.
"For me, it would be a great job for Steven Gerrard, it would be a shame for Rangers, he's done an outstanding job there, I'm sorry Ally [McCoist]!
"I think you're going to lose him mate."
It seems inevitable that one day Gerrard will take charge at Liverpool, but for now he could use some help from his former club if he is announced as Villa’s new boss.
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The Premier League's richest owners (Image: Reach PLC)
If it’s attacking flair Gerrard is looking for then Minamino could bring that to Villa Park.
Villa already have plenty of options in wide-forward positions, with the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey, Anwar El-Ghazi and Bertrand Traore, but Minamino would bring something different.
Minamino had a successful loan spell at Southampton in the second half of last season, but has struggled for game time on his return to Liverpool.
The Japan international may look for another loan move in January in pursuit of more first-team minutes.
The 24-year-old could help sure up a Villa defence that has already leaked 20 goals in the Premier League this season.
Phillips made 17 league appearances in the previous campaign to help cover the loss of several Liverpool defenders including Virgil van Dijk, but the centre-back hasn’t played at all this season.
The central defender has been previously loaned out to gain experience with Stuttgart, and another loan move could be in the pipeline should Gerrard come calling.