Ambitious move: Monchi became "Aston Villa" sporting director © AFP

Having achieved great success with "Sevilla" in the last decade, Monchi is spreading his wings to England.

"Aston Villa" announced that the new club operations president will be the 54-year-old Spaniard from the "Sevilla" club.

Monchi began working within the ranks of the Sevilla club as early as 2000. However, the titles started pouring in in 2005, when the first UEFA Cup was won. Now the club has seven trophies, with the latest being won at the end of this season.

"Aston Villa" also showed interest in Mateu Alemany, but he decided to stay at the "Barcos" club.

The Birmingham club will play in Europe for the first time since 2010 next season - in the Conference League.