Report: Aston Villa owner Tony Xia willing to pay compensation to land an already-employed manager

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The Championship side are currently searching for a new boss following Roberto Di Matteo’s departure.

Former Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo

A report in the Daily Mirror has claimed that Aston Villa owner Tony Xia has instructed technical director Steve Round to find the best man to replace Roberto Di Matteo, even if it costs.

The Mirror reports that the Chinese businessman is prepared to spend whatever compensation fee is required if Round comes back and suggests that a manager already employed elsewhere is the right man to take the club forward.

Steve Bruce has been linked with the job

The news that Xia is simply targeting the best man for the job rather than perhaps the most sensible appointment from a financial standpoint, will be extremely pleasing for Villa supporters to hear.

The Villans have made a disappointing start to life in the second tier, and while it is too soon to say that they may get dragged into a relegation scrap, they are in danger of losing too much ground to the promotion chasers unless they get their act together after the international break.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy is also in the running

While the news that Xia is ready to pay whatever costs are required during their search would suggest that all candidates will be considered, the Mirror adds that the club want their new manager to boast a successful record in the Championship.

The likes of Steve Bruce, Sean Dyche and Mick McCarthy – who have all been linked (via Mirror) – would provide that experience, having overseen several promotions between them.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is perhaps an ambitious target

Meanwhile, the Mirror adds that Brentford’s Dean Smith and Preston’s Simon Grayson join David Wagner of Huddersfield on the shortlist.

And while none of the trio have enjoyed a promotion from the second tier, Wagner has made a brilliant start to the current campaign with the Terriers, while the former pair will understand what it will mean to be given the job with Smith growing up a supporter, while Grayson spent two years at Villa Park during his playing days.