Thierry Henry agrees deal to become Aston Villa manager - report

The Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris and co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Franchise, Wes Edens, bought a 55% stake from Chairman Dr Tony Xia on Friday, and are reported to be deep in talks with Henry about the funds needed to take Villa back to the Premier League.

The Daily Star claims Henry would replace Steve Bruce, who could be on his way out of the club after losing 1-0 to Fulham in the Championship final in May, a defeat that denied them a return to the top flight two years after they were relegated.

On Sunday, Steve Bruce revealed his initial shock reaction to hearing the Henry rumours, "I blurted my coffee out this morning when I read about it, my phone was going crazy."

Without directly commenting on the former France international, Bruce admitted "we'll know more in the week".

Henry worked as Robert Martinez's assistant coach Henry at the World Cup finals, but is apparently keen to take his first step into full-time management.

Henry has stepped down from his role as a TV pundit to concentrate on fulfilling his ambition to follow a managerial career.