LONDON (AFP) - English Premier League strugglers Norwich are set to hire former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith as their new manager, according to reports on Saturday (Nov 13).

The Canaries have reportedly offered Smith the chance to succeed Daniel Farke, who was sacked on Nov 6 with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.

Smith was axed by Villa on Nov 7 after five successive defeats, but he looks to have won the race to take over at Carrow Road.

Liverpool midfield great Steven Gerrard was appointed manager at Villa Park on Thursday (Nov 11). He left his role as Rangers boss to take the reins at the Midlands club.

Considered one of the greatest players in Premier League history, Gerrard made a promising start to his managerial career in reviving the fortunes of the Glasgow giants.

The 41-year-old guided Rangers to a first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years last season, finishing the campaign undefeated in the league for the first time in 122 years.

He also made progress in Europe, reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League for the past two seasons.

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was believed to be Norwich's initial top candidate, but the ex-England star pulled out of the running once Smith emerged as a rival for the job.

Smith is expected to make his decision over the weekend, with the 50-year-old understood to be keen on a quick return to management.

Farke's spell as Norwich boss ended on the day he led them to their first league win this season, a 2-1 success against Brentford.

The German had overseen Norwich's promotion from the Championship last season, but struggled to lift them away from the Premier League relegation zone despite a host of new signings.

Smith is expected to bring his Villa assistant Craig Shakespeare with him to Norwich.

Norwich's next Premier League game is at home to Southampton on Nov 20.