Aston Villa are set to name Steve Round as the club's new technical director in the coming days, according to a report in theBirmingham Mail.
Round, who has been out of work recently after coaching spells with Everton and Manchester United, is set to be named this week after a 'thorough and extensive search' from the Villa board.
Round attended Villa's 3-0 victory over Rotherham United on Saturday and has received Roberto Di Matteo's blessing.
Steve Round has agreed to be @AVFCOfficial technical director,starting in Sep,after agreeing details y'day after Rotherham game. Round 1/3
The 45-year-old has a wealth of experience coaching in England, but his new remit will entail improving the club's long-term recruitment strategy. Round previously turned down the chance to become Remi Garde's assistant manager at Villa Park and declined Steve McClaren's approach for a similar position at Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, Di Matteo expressed his delight at recording a victory over Rotherham - Villa's first competitive win in six months.
"I am not relieved, I am pleased because I could see some positive signs despite the fact we lost the first game," he said.
Press Conference: Roberto Di Matteo hails the passion of the claret and blue faithful. #AVFC #AVLROT pic.twitter.com/W5VOty4yXk
"I could see we are improving and we will keep improving. Results like this will help. Many of our players haven't had that feeling for a long time, so to have that feeling is very important for the players and the fans.
"We wanted to win our first home game and make Villa Park a difficult place for teams to come. It was important to have a team performance overall and it resulted in a good win.
"You can do everything right on the training pitch but the best recipe for confidence is the result at the end of the week. One result will give us a lot of confidence, so this is the importance of this win."
Press Conference: Roberto Di Matteo delighted with the victory “ and knows its significance. #AVFC #AVLROT pic.twitter.com/HOheB88DRY