Fulham boss Mark Hughes could finish the day as Aston Villa manager.
The Mirror says Hughes was this morning preparing to resign as Fulham boss in order to succeed Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa, according to sources.
Fulham were this morning refusing to confirm that Hughes was still in his post.
The former Blackburn and Manchester City manager has emerged as Randy Lerner's No.1 target since the American decided to pay Houllier off over health fears.
Though Fulham were bullish about keeping Hughes yesterday, he is understood to be ready to step down in the next few hours.