Mark Hughes has stepped down as Fulham manager after just one season at the helm, paving the way for him to take charge of Aston Villa.
Hughes replaced Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage last summer and enjoyed a solid first year with the club, recovering from a slow start to guide Fulham to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
However, he has now decided to leave the London club after expressing a desire to fulfil his ambitions elsewhere.
The Welshman had already been installed as the favourite with bookmakers to succeed Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa and his resignation now makes a switch to the Midlands appear inevitable.
Villa announced on Wednesday that Houllier would not remain in his role after experiencing health concerns towards the end of the season.
Hughes has made it clear, however, that he has not received an approach and that his decision to quit Fulham was not 'influenced by any outside party'.
Fulham club statement
Fulham Football Club can confirm that Mark Hughes has provided notice, under the terms of his contract, to leave the Club at the end of June. After discussions with Mark the Club has agreed to accept this notice.