Steven Gerrard 'considered' by Aston Villa as Rangers boss rated highly by former Liverpool ally

Dean Smith parted company with the Premier League club on Sunday following a poor start to the season.

Steven Gerrard is being "considered" for the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa, according to a report.

The Premier League side parted company with Dean Smith on Sunday following an alarming run of five straight defeats.

And now the Telegraph report that Rangers boss Gerrard is among a list of potential replacements, with Villa keen to make an appointment before the end of the international break.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is also said to be in the frame but Gerrard is second favourite behind ex-England team-mate John Terry for the job.

Villa's CEO Christian Purslow rates Gerrard highly and the pair have a connection from the Liverpool legend's career at Anfield.

Purslow was formerly Liverpool 's managing director and predicted appointed Gerrard would put Rangers back on the map.

"Ten years ago Rangers were in a major European final and the trials and tribulations of that club since then are well documented," he told Sky Sports in 2018.

"Frankly, disappearing from the top table of European football where this once great club proudly sat, to associate with a person of the reputation of Steven Gerrard puts them back on the map."

Smith leaves Villa just two points above the relegation zone despite considerable investment during the summer following the £100million sale of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

John Terry is currently the bookies' favourite at 9/4, with Gerrard second at 5/2.