Sky Sports News understands Aston Villa will confirm the appointment of Alex McLeish as their new manager in the next 24 hours.

Former Blues boss ready to cross Second City

Desire

understands Aston Villa will confirm the appointment of Alex McLeish as their new manager in the next 24 hours. The former Birmingham, Rangers and Scotland boss held what are believed to have been 'productive' talks with Villa owner Randy Lerner in London on Wednesday. And McLeish is now expected to be handed the reins of the Midlands outfit to fill the void created by Gerard Houllier's departure due to ill health at the end of the season. A section of disgruntled supporters gathered at Villa Park on Wednesday night to voice their displeasure at the impending arrival of the man who guided Birmingham to the Carling Cup last season, but also oversaw their relegation from the Premier League.However, that protest, and the graffiti daubed at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground, does not appear to have affected Lerner's desire to make an appointment which has caused major debate in the Second City. Villa have seen a number of names linked with their vacancy, with Mark Hughes, Rafa Benitez, Steve McClaren and Roberto Martinez all previously in the frame. But Scottish tactician McLeish now appears certain to be appointed and tasked with improving on Villa's fortunes from last season. The Villans flirted with relegation at times last term before eventually ending the campaign in ninth place, which was still a disappointment following on from the back-to-back sixth placed finishes secured under Martin O'Neill.