England FA chief Dan Ashworth is being linked with Aston Villa.

The Birmingham Mail says Villa are rumoured to be looking to bring FA Technical Director Ashworth to Villa Park as Head Of Football Operations.

The club are currently assembling a 'football board' which has already seen the arrival of Mervyn King, Steve Hollis, Brian Little and David Bernstein.

Ashworth would be a crucial part of the jigsaw and the 45-year-old has been identified by Villa as a possible man to play a key role at the club.

“It's a key appointment for us," said Bernstein. “It will be the fourth member of this football board and that is very important part of this football club."