Middlesbrough Chairman Steve Gibson calls for investigation into financial conduct of Aston Villa

Gibson wants the EFL to probe Villa along with Derby and Sheffield Wednesday over alleged 'rule breaking' in terms of financial regulations - a move which could cause big fractions between the clubs.

The 61-year-old believes the three clubs are bypassing the new profitability and sustainability rules and has arranged a special meeting of all Championship clubs next week.

The Boro supermo is also keen to pressurise the EFL into ensuring they enforce their own rules and that sanctions are imposed on rule breakers.

Middlesbrough have sold over £40 million worth of talent, including Adama Traore to Wolves, Ben Gibson to Burnley and Patrick Bamford to Leeds in order to stay in-line with FFP regualtions.

Boro currently lie one place outside the play-offs, five points behind Aston Villa.