FORMER Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa is "close to being done".

The Rangers boss is the bookies' favourite to replace Dean Smith at Villa and it is looking increasingly likely that a deal will happen.

Villa are now poised to make a formal approach to Rangers and attempt to strike a multi-million compensation deal to take Gerrard back to England after three-and-a-half years at Ibrox.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: "I'm hearing reports it's close to being done as well.

"I think for Steven Gerrard it's the perfect club, it gets him to the Premier League, managing in the Premier League.

"Aston Villa, the fifth richest owners in the English Premier League, they've got money to spend, they will give him money to spend in January, if needed.

"Look at the squad of players, that's a squad of players who should be fighting to get into the top six, they have got some really good players in there.

"For me, it would be a great job for Steven Gerrard, it would be a shame for Rangers, he's done an outstanding job there.

"I'm sorry Ally, I think you're going to lose him mate."

Rangers hero Ally McCoist is still hoping that Gerrard opts to stay in Glasgow as he reckons the Villa gig will be a huge gamble for the Liverpool legend.

He responded: "The longer it goes on, my concern is growing, it's the best league in the world and Villa are a top team, I really like Villa", said the club icon.

"I'm gutted for Dean Smith, I think he should have been given more time.

"In terms of Steven going there, I still think it's a gamble, I really do, but any job's a gamble."