Aston Villa are poised to confirm the controversial appointment of Alex McLeish as manager, according to reports.
Villa have been in talks with the Scot after he quit as boss of arch-rivals Birmingham on Sunday. The Barclays Premier League club have not been deterred from pursuing the 52-year-old by a war of words with City or fearsome opposition from their own fans.
An announcement is now expected to be made on Friday morning.
Birmingham accused Villa of tapping up McLeish once it became apparent the former Rangers and Scotland boss was a strong contender to succeed Gerard Houllier at Villa Park.
Blues demanded £5.4million in compensation to cover the remaining two years of McLeish's contract.
There have been reports on Thursday night that a figure of £2million has been agreed but this has not been confirmed by either club.
But with all details of a contract thought to have been agreed with McLeish, it is understood legal issues concerning Birmingham are the only hindrance.
Source: PA
