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Remi Garde is on the brink of being sacked by Aston Villa.

The Frenchman’s disastrous four-month reign at the Premier League’s bottom club is set to end in the next 48 hours as new chairman Steve Hollis prepares the club for life in the Championship next season.

Sunday Mirror Sport understands boss Garde has lost support in the boardroom and dressing room to such an extent that Hollis is coming under pressure to act now, rather than wait until the end of the campaign.

The Villans’ Under-21 coach Kevin MacDonald would take temporary charge of the first team until a permanent successor is found.

A Villa insider said: “Morale at the club could not be lower - and Garde’s demeanour is of a a dead man walking.

“He has hardly spoken to anyone at the training ground all week and it will be a relief to all concerned when the end finally comes.”

(Image: Getty)

Hollis has already instigated a search for a British manager with a proven track record of getting teams promoted from the Championship.

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Nigel Pearson, the former Leicester City boss, is the leading candidate.

After inspiring the Foxes’ incredible turnaround in form last season he left the club last summer. The team he built has kicked on to emerge as champions-elect.

(Image: PA)

Hull boss Steve Bruce is also on the short-list, but as a former manager of arch-rivals Birmingham City, the club’s hierarchy are mindful that his appointment could further alienate already angry fans.

Pearson has been waiting for the best route back into management and is certain to want some assurances about owner Randy Lerner’s commitment to the Villa cause.

Lerner has confirmed the club has been for sale.

In pictures — Villa lose to Swansea in what was probably Garde's last game:

Is he ready to commit to staying while Villa attempt to bounce back?

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Former Villa midfielder and boss Brian Little has been brought in as an advisor and the club will lean on his expertise to find the right man.