Aston Villa have sacked head of recruitment Paddy Riley.

The former Liverpool analyst leaves following the arrival of Steve Round as the club's new technical director, says the Express & Star.

Riley was among those held responsible by supporters for the club's disastrous record in the transfer market, which led to their relegation from the Premier League last season.

And he was today informed his services would no longer be required by Round, who officially began work at Villa Park yesterday.

Riley's position always looked under threat following a summer takeover at Villa Park, with new owner Tony Xia admitting the former Liverpool “had not done a good job".