Steve Round sacked by cash-strapped Aston Villa as club tell director of football he has to go in morning meeting
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Steve Round has been sensationally sacked by Aston Villa.
The club's director of football was told the news this morning at the club's Recon Training facility as part of a major re-organisation at Villa Park.
Word has been received at the home of the former European Champions late last night that changes had to be made – and the axe has now fallen.
The club's chief commercial officer Luke Organ along with owner Dr Tony Xia's eye and ears Rongtian He broke the news to Round this morning.
(Image: Getty)
The sacking is the latest in a changing of the guard at Villa Park as the club seeks to re-organise itself in the wake of severe cash problems and the failure to reach the Premier League.
Round's departure follows that of chief executive Keith Wyness and is a signal that sweeping changes are afoot.
That could also include manager Steve Bruce.
His position which will now be under closer scrutiny as the two individuals who were key to his appointment have been removed.
The Geordie is currently away on holiday and is due to link up with the rest of Villa's first-team squad tomorrow.
Villa's first-team reported in to Bodymoor Heath this morning for assessment and will begin their pre-season training properly after flying out to Portugal.
MirrorSport understands Xia is under huge pressure back home in China to get a return on the £60million he paid for Villa in 2016 as an investment.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Xia bought the club from Randy Lerner and it was claimed it was another asset for his 'Recon Group' business.
But Xia is believed to be the frontman for several investors in China who ploughed in initial funds expecting to see relegated Villa promoted back immediately to justify their outlay.
Villa spent heavily on players in Xia's first season in charge in 2016/2017 but club only came 13 before fresh capital dried up last August.
Now after missing out on promotion again, and a possible £160m windfall, Xia's reign is at breaking point with the club's final parachute payment down to just £15m.
(Image: Neville Williams)
He has already been late with an HMRC tax bill and seen chief executive Keith Wyness walk away to sue for constructive dismissal.
Bruce, whose squad returned for pre-season today (Wednesday), has been told the club cannot even afford free transfers with player sales expected first – like Jack Grealish to Spurs.
The American group are even believed to have visited Villa Park for talks with Round, who was their point of contact.
(Image: Getty)
But China-based Xia has been unwilling to sanction a sale and has left his It meant neither outgoing director of football Round or boss Bruce have had dialogue with Xia.
Now, worryingly, there is virtually zero football expertise remaining at the top of the club apart from Bruce himself.
The Americans may also lose interest in the takeover as they were impressed with Round and were relying on his football knowledge.