Aston Villa appoint former Liverpool chief Christian Purslow as CEO

Purslow successfully found Liverpool's current owners while he was chief executive at Anfield

Christian Purslow spent three years at Liverpool (Getty)

Aston Villa have appointed former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow as the club's new CEO and minority investor, who will take over the daily running of the club immediately.

Purslow was the managing director of Chelsea from 2014-2017 and performed the same role for Liverpool from 2009-2010 and was credited with finding the Reds' current owners as well as negotiating lucrative sponsorship deals at Chelsea.

The 54-year-old joins the Championship club in place of Keith Wyness, who was suspended after it was announced that Villa were working with HM Revenue and Customs to resolve an unpaid tax bill, although that is not connected to his suspension.

Aston Villa's feared they will have to sell Jack Grealish but they kept hold of him (Action Images)

Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens bought majority control of Aston Villa from Tony Xia in July and were impressed by Purslow’s experience.

“We are tremendously excited to bring someone of Christian’s calibre and experience into the Club,” said Sawiris and Edens. “This is an important step on our journey to return Aston Villa back to the elite of English football.”

Dr Xia, who remains on the board as co-chairman, added that he is excited about the club’s future. “I am delight to welcome Christian who will work closely with Nassef, Wes and myself to move the club in a better direction. I look forward to seeing him shine at our football club.”

Since being relegated in 2015/16 Aston Villa have spent over £80m in transfer fees and lost in the 2017/18 play-off final.

The policy of throwing money at new signings caught up with the midlands club this summer when cash flow problems meant that the club were struggling to pay a tax bill on time.

Steve Bruce’s side are undefeated in the Championship but have drawn three of their five games.