Former Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo has been appointed the new manager of Aston Villa, news just in by bbcsport.
The Italian succeeds Remi Garde, who was sacked in March before the club's relegation from the Premier League.
Di Matteo, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, will be assisted by former Blues team-mate Steve Clarke.
Villa were also linked with ex-Manchester United boss David Moyes and new Derby County manager Nigel Pearson, but Di Matteo was always first choice.
Dr Tony Xia, the Chinese businessman whose takeover of Villa is awaiting Football League and Premier League approval, is convinced Di Matteo will raise the West Midlands club's profile in the Championship.
The former West Brom and Schalke boss and Clarke, 52, have been out of management since last year.
The pair have never worked together in management but were Chelsea team-mates for two years.
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