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Aston Villa have moved a step closer to appointing Roberto Di Matteo as manager following further talks with the Italian, Press Association Sport has reported. It said Di Matteo has had more discussions with Villa chairman Steve Hollis, who now hopes to name the former West Brom and Chelsea boss as Remi Garde's successor in the coming days. The 45-year-old is reported to be first choice for prospective new owner Dr Tony Xia, whose takeover has yet to be approved. David Moyes and Nigel Pearson were also interviewed for the job, but it has been reported that Di Matteo's achievements at Chelsea -- where he won the Champions League in 2012 -- were most appealing to Xia as he looks to build Villa's profile in the Far East. Di Matteo has been out of management since resigning as Schalke boss a year ago. Meanwhile, Xia's takeover is edging closer to completion as it awaits both Premier League and Football League approval. The Chinese businessman, 39, recently bought Villa from American Randy Lerner, who had been looking to sell since 2014. Investigations into Xia's conglomerate, Recon Group, are being carried out jointly by the Premier League and the Football League as Villa, relegated from the top flight this season, do not officially become a Championship club until June.
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