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Report: Aston Villa scout David Downes to join Sheffield Wednesday

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Aston Villa are reportedly set to lose a member of their backroom team to Sheffield Wednesday.

Steve Bruce manager of Aston Villa in action during a training session at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath on August 03, 2018 in Birmingham, England.

According to a report from the Sunday Mirror (27/1; page 67), Sheffield Wednesday are set to bring David Downes in from Aston Villa as Steve Bruce continues to build his backroom team at Hillsborough.

Bruce is gearing up to take charge of the Owls. Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence are currently leading the side until Bruce takes over next month, with both men following the 58-year-old from Villa after his departure earlier in the campaign.

And they may not be the only men to make the move. The Sunday Mirror (27/1; page 67) reports that Downes is set to leave his post at Villa Park to make the switch to link up with his old boss at Wednesday.

The report adds that Villa are unlikely to stand in his way.

General views of Villa Park the home of Aston Villa before the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park on December 23, 2017 in Birmingham, England.

As reported by Birmingham Live, Downes’ role with Villa saw him predominantly focus on youth recruitment. So perhaps Downes’ move could hint at a desire to focus on bringing starlets through at Wednesday if he is taking on a similar role.

The Sun on Sunday (27/1; page 63) reports that Financial Fair Play could prove to be a concern for the Owls – though it is not clear how precarious their situation is – so perhaps focusing on bringing more young players through could prove beneficial on and off the pitch.

28th October 2017, Hillsborough, Sheffield, England; EFL Championship football, Sheffield Wednesday versus Barnsley; General view of Hillsborough