Championship club Aston Villa are set to appoint former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager, according to multiple report.

It is understood that the Italian held talks with Aston Villa chairman Steve Hollis on Thursday and could be appointed by the club, who have been taken over by Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia, in the next 48 hours.

Di Matteo, who led Chelsea to Champions League success in 2012, will now have to take charge of Villa's bid for Premier League promotion next season following their relegation to the Championship.

The 45-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Bundesliga club Schalke last May.