Gerard Houllier is to step down as manager of Aston Villa this week by "mutual consent", it has been claimed.

The Birmingham Mail says that Houllier, 63, and the club have "reluctantly" reached the decision after medical results indicated that it would be "too risky" for him to return to his post next season.

The former Liverpool boss missed the final few games of the season after being admitted to hospital with chest pains.

Houllier is now in discussions over a severance package on the remaining two years of his three-year, £8 million deal.

An official announcement on Houllier's departure is expected tomorrow.