Gerard Houllier is set to be named new Aston Villa manager early next week.
The Daily Mail says Villa are expected to introduce the duo formally either on Monday or Tuesday after bringing their search for Martin O'Neill's successor to a close.
Houllier, 63, is understood to favour becoming boss in his own right - although Villa want a directorial figure who can help plug the gap left by the walkout by O'Neill and his staff.
Randy Lerner was keen to hand Kevin MacDonald a job in the set-up, but it was the failure to progress in the Europa League - and not the 6-0 hammering by Newcastle - that cost him the chance to manage in his own right.
It appears the ex-Liverpool midfielder, 49, will be given first-team coaching duties with the Frenchman directing from above.
