Premier League chiefs are head-hunting former Reading boss Steve Coppell for a new youth director role.

The Sun says Coppell's job will be to mastermind a huge investment programme aimed at boosting the number of English kids at the top level.

The former England and Manchester United winger quit The Royals on Tuesday but at 53 he is not yet ready to retire.

There are fears the number of foreign stars are harming the development of English players.

Teams may even be financially rewarded for playing home-grown talent.