Gerard Houllier is tipped to be named new manager of Aston Villa on Thursday.
The Daily Mail says Villa are finalising the minor details of an appointment.
Kevin MacDonald, who has been caretaker manager since the resignation of Martin O'Neill and who asked to be considered for the job full-time, must now decide whether to return to his previous role as reserve team boss or work more closely with Houllier.
Former Liverpool boss Houllier, 63, has been working as technical director at the French Football Federation.
