Alex McLeish is already putting the final touches on his agreement with Aston Villa.
The Daily Mail says McLeish cut short a holiday in Sardinia to meet chairman Randy Lerner in London on Tuesday in the hope of coming to an agreement on Thursday.
Some Villa supporters continue to find the idea of appointing McLeish unpalatable because of his previous allegiance to Birmingham City.
The Scot resigned from Villa's rivals on Sunday with two years left on his contract and either he or Villa are still likely to be pursued for compensation, which has been put at £5.4million by his former club.
McLeish is counter-claiming constructive dismissal with the backing of the League Managers Association.
