Former Manchester United and Everton assistant manager Steve Round is being lined up to be Remi Garde's No.2 at Aston Villa, sources have told ESPN FC.
Garde is still working on building his backroom team at Villa after replacing Tim Sherwood as manager at Villa Park earlier this month.
The Frenchman was keen to bring him with Lyon coaching duo Gerald Baticle and Bruno Genesio, but the Ligue 1 club were unwilling to let them leave for Villa.
It means Garde has been forced to look elsewhere to bring in some coaches and he has turned his attentions to Round.
Round is currently out of work after leaving Derby County last season where he worked alongside long-time associate Steve McClaren.
Round has previously worked with McClaren at Middlesbrough and England and he turned down the chance to reunite with him at Newcastle last summer as he looked to forge his own career in management.
Villa are keen to add the 45-year-old to their coaching staff as he has a wealth of experience of coaching in the Premier League that will aid Garde's transition from management in Ligue 1.
Round has held talks with Garde and Villa hope to secure his appointment before Saturday's trip to Everton.