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.

Chairman Dr Tony Xia (R) and Aston Villa face an uncertain future credit: Getty Images

But the pair clashed last week over Villa’s financial crisis, after Wyness sought advice from insolvency experts over the prospect of administration following the club’s failure to win promotion.

Late last week Xia secured the cash required to pay an overdue tax bill and stave off the threat of a winding-up order from HMRC.

Yet Wyness’s action will only deepen the gloom for the Chinese businessman, who is coming under pressure from some fans to sell up.

Villa are due to hold a meeting in the next 24 hours, where next season’s budget and strategy for the summer will be discussed.

Xia and Bruce will not be present, but the summit will include Round, Organ and He.

Villa are under pressure to slash their wage bill by up a third, cutting it down from £45m to £30m, to fall in line with Financial Fair Play rules.

This month’s pay roll bill of £4.5m, comprising tax and wages, is also due on or around June 22 and Xia must pay that or face the prospect of another winding-up order.