Phil Neville 'rejects coaching role with Aston Villa'

Phil Neville has reportedly turned down an approach to join Aston Villa's backroom staff in order to become a manager in his own right.

The 39-year-old is said to have been targeted by chief executive Keith Wyness and technical director Steve Round, who have both previously worked with the former Everton man.

According to The Telegraph, Neville decided against becoming the Championship outfit's new number two, possibly alongside managerial frontrunner Steve Bruce, as he looks for an appealing job in management.

Neville has coaching experience from his time working at Manchester United and most recently Valencia, while also spending a decade playing under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.