Gerard Houllier has agreed terms on a three-year contract with Aston Villa.

The Guardian says Houllier has agreed a three-year contract to become Aston Villa's manager and is set to be confirmed as Martin O'Neill's successor , after he has held talks with the French Football Federation about the terms of his departure.

Houllier, who has been working as the technical director of the FFF, has shaken hands on a deal with Randy Lerner and given the Villa chairman his word that he will accept the position. Although there are some minor details to be ratified, Villa do not anticipate any problems and expect Houllier to be presented to the media on Thursday or, at the latest, on Friday.