Steve Round confirmed as new Aston Villa technical director

Round, a former assistant to David Moyes at Everton and Manchester United, officially started work at Villa Park on Thursday, though it is understood he played a significant role in the club's recruitment during the final weeks of the transfer window.

A deal for the 45-year-old to join the club was agreed last month following a lengthy search, with new owner Tony Xia keen to appoint someone who could improve the club's record in the transfer market.

Xia, who completed a £76.2million takeover in June, sees the role of technical director as key to his larger plan of owning several clubs across the globe.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo was part of the recruitment process and has also approved Round's appointment.

Forced to retire through injury, just nine games into his playing career, Round began coaching at the Rams under Steve McClaren, who he also later worked with at Middlesbrough.

Villa made nine signings and moved a host of players during what was generally perceived to be a successful transfer record. Previous windows had been less positive, however. Last summer they splashed out more than £50million on 13 new players, most of whom failed to contribute as the club was relegated from the Premier League last season. Round almost joined Villa during the campaign but a deal for him to become assistant boss to Remi Garde fell through.

Xia said: "I'm pleased to welcome Steve to Aston Villa. It's an appointment I believe will be hugely important for the long-term global vision of the football club.

"I've discussed at great length with Steve during meetings the way in which I'd like to see the 21st century football club move forward and he has the same ideas and principles.

"This role will play a fundamental part in how we drive the football club forward with data and technologies playing a central role in how we not only scout new players but also make the best of the talent we have at Bodymoor Heath both at first-team level and throughout our academy teams."

Di Matteo added: "I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the football club.

"It's an important appointment for Aston Villa, a role that focuses on both the present and future and I'm looking forward to working with him."