Everton scout Ian Atkins is set for a move to Aston Villa.
Ian Atkins as Bristol Rovers manager
According to today’s edition of the Daily Star, Aston Villa are set to raid Everton for talent spotter Ian Atkins as the club continue to overhaul their staff.
Having sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo on Monday, Villa are looking for a new manager – but efforts are being made to bring in new staff behind the scenes.
Steve Round, former Everton assistant manager
Steve Round has recently arrived as Villa’s technical director, and after some transfer mishaps over the last 18 months, it seems that Round is moving to reunite with a transfer guru.
Today’s edition of the Daily Star reports that Aston Villa are set to appoint Ian Atkins as their new European scout, having worked with Round at Everton.
Former Hull manager Steve Bruce
Birmingham-born Atkins, 59, made his name as a player with Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City, but is now allegedly set to head up Villa’s European scouting.
Not only did Atkins work alongside Round at Everton, but he also worked as a scout at Sunderland during Steve Bruce’s time at the Stadium of Light – which will only add credence to the idea of Bruce becoming the new Villa boss.
Ian Atkins during his time as Torquay United boss
Bruce told Sky Sports earlier today that he has held talks over replacing Di Matteo at Villa Park, and despite his links to fierce rivals Birmingham, he is the hot favourite to be named Villa’s new manager.
Reuniting with Atkins makes sense, and this big appointment suggests that Villa may place extra importance on scouting in Europe, having mostly made domestic signings over the summer.
Do you think Atkins’ arrival signals the appointment of Bruce?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
