The video will start in 8 Cancel

Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Henri Lansbury's exit from Nottingham Forest is being negotiated by a former team-mate in an apparent breach of Football Association rules, writes John Cross of our sister title The Mirror.

The player involved is Rotherham striker Dexter Blackstock.

One Premier League club has walked away from a deal after discovering that Blackstock was representing Lansbury in his move from Nottingham Forest.

Another Championship club has confirmed that they were told to contact the 30-year-old Millers’ striker if they wanted to sign Lansbury.

The FA did not wish to comment, but their rules state: “Only individuals and companies registered with The FA as intermediaries are authorised to conduct Intermediary Activity on behalf of Players and Clubs playing football in England.”

FA rules prevent current players from being licensed agents – or intermediaries. ­Blackstock was not on the updated list published on Tuesday.

Lansbury’s licensed agent is Simon Kennedy.

The midfielder, 26, is keen to join Aston Villa and Mirror Sport understands all parties are aware of ­Blackstock’s involvement from setting up meetings to discuss Lansbury’s contract.

The FA have strict rules to outlaw potential conflicts of interest. The Lansbury transfer tangle involves two players from the same division with Villa, also of the Championship, hoping to sign him.

When asked about the Lansbury transfer, ex-Forest player Blackstock said: “Why are you ringing me? I wouldn’t ring you up to ask what you were doing yesterday?”

Kennedy did not respond to requests to talk about the issue.

Lansbury’s move could still go through, but it will need a licensed agent to sign it off.

The controversy has caused major unrest in the agent world with them urging the FA to take action.

FA rules are clear that clubs are duty bound to report unlicensed agents.

The FA state: “If you have any doubts about anyone purporting to be an Intermediary please do not hesitate to contact the Financial Regulation Team for clarification.”

Elswehere it has been reported that the takeover of Nottingham Forest is off, which could have implications for the Lansbury transfer.