Premiership: Villa chief denies van Gaal link

Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has dismissed reports that Louis van Gaal has been lined up to replace John Gregory as manager.

The former Holland coach was said to be Ellis' first choice should Gregory's days at Villa Park become numbered.

But, with Villa attempting to record only their second win in 14 games at home to Derby in the Barclaycard Premiership, Ellis angrily dismissed the stories.

He said: "This is absolute rubbish - and I have told the manager that."