Coventry City chairman Bryan Richardson has issued a stinging attack on rivals Aston Villa after they signed Sky Blues midfielder George Boateng for £4.5 million.

Aston Villa claimed that Coventry had actively sought to sell the Dutch under-21 star – but Richardson denied the claim and blasted Villa boss John Gregory.

It is not the first time the two clubs have fallen out. Coventry were unhappy at losing England striker Dion Dublin to their Midland rivals last season and then reported Villa to the FA for an alleged illegal approach to Boateng in the spring.

Richardson said:

"We were aware of Aston Villa’s interest in the player in March when he was directly approached.

"It is well known in the game that Mr Gregory loves making statements to the media but Coventry City acts in the best interest of our players and the club which is why we always have happy players.

"What ever Mr Gregory wants to say is up to him but perhaps he should look inwards rather than outwards before he comments on what was a private transaction, which didn’t involve him. It was done chairman to chairman.

"There is no need for bad blood between the clubs but the way they dealt with this and with the Dion Dublin transfer has irritated a lot of people.

"No contact was made from us to them to sell George Boateng – any interest came from them."