Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has angrily 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 today, Ellis said: "This is absolute rubbish - and I have told the manager that."
Van Gaal is also being touted as a possible replacement for Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Officials at Old Trafford are said to have shortlisted the former Ajax, Barcelona and Holland coach ahead of Martin O’Neill, Fabio Capello and Sven Goran Eriksson.