John Terry is set to return to Aston Villa but as Rui Faria's assistant in a new-look management team.
Faria's agent Jorge Mendes has been advising Villa's new owners after they axed Steve Bruce.
Thierry Henry rejected the job after being approached by his old club Monaco.
Arsenal's French legend was keen on the post but had his head turned by the emotional pull of his old club.
It saw plans for Terry to work under Henry ditched and Terry had a shot at the job on his own.
But Villa's owners now look set to go for a Faria/Terry double-act as the pair know each other from Chelsea.
Faria was Jose Mourinho's long-term assistant before parting company with his Portuguese compatriot earlier this year.