Mark Hughes 'quits Fulham for Villa'

Mark Hughes is to step down as Fulham manager to take up the top job at Aston Villa, according to The Mirror.

Gerard Houllier's departure from the Midlands side was confirmed yesterday after medical results revealed it would be "too risky" for him to return to Villa Park next season.

Hughes joined Fulham last summer and helped guide the club to an eighth place finish for the season, one place above Villa.

The former Man City boss is thought to have rejected a two-year extension to his existing contract at Craven Cottage, which expired last night, in favour of the Villa job.

Hughes's appointment is expected to be confirmed later today.