Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner is keen to take advantage of Gerard Houllier's vast European contacts list.
The Daily Mail says Houllier is set to be named manager early next week at Villa.
Villa owner Randy Lerner compiled a four-man shortlist, aimed at making a quick decision before Villa's next league outing at Stoke on September 13.
Sven Goran Eriksson failed to impress and Houllier's greater experience and pan-European contact base were favoured over Alan Curbishley.
