Aston Villa are facing further turmoil after former chief executive Keith Wyness launched legal action against the Championship club.

Telegraph Sport understands Wyness is suing Villa for constructive dismissal in a court case which could cost the club up to £6million, with the West Midlanders under huge pressure with their finances.

It is understood that Wyness has officially left the club, following his initial suspension on Tuesday, and has also terminated his directorship as a member of the board.

And now the 60-year-old is taking action against Villa in a claim which will only increase the growing sense of crisis under club owner and chairman Dr Tony Xia.

It is also understood there may be legal action taken against two members of staff, chief commercial offer Luke Organ and executive assistant Rongtian He. The reasons are as yet unknown. Both cases could go to a tribunal, sources claim.

A former Everton and Aberdeen chief executive, Wyness was recruited by Xia when the £76m takeover was completed in June 2016.

Working closely with manager Steve Bruce and Steve Round, the technical director, Wyness was seen as a key member of Villa’s staff with Xia spending most of his time in China.