RECORD-BREAKING Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has been asked by Football Association for his explanation of the controversial clash at Aston Villa last month which left opponent Lee Hendrie claiming he had been elbowed in the face by the England international.

And unless his observations are accepted by a investigating panel the 28-year-old hit-man, who became the first post-war player to reach 100 League goals in the 2-0 victory at Bolton just over a week ago, could face a three match suspension for violent conduct.

The incident, during a drab goalless draw at Villa Park on September 16, was missed by match referee Uriah Rennie but, after being briefly mentioned in the post-match press conference was spotlighted afterwards by the England B midfielder, who button-holed Phillips about the challenge as they left the pitch.

Hendrie claimed that Phillips told him he'd used his elbow because he thought the Villa man was going to "do" him as they tussled for the ball.

The FA's video panel called in television footage of the incident and obviously found something amiss as they have decided to take the investigation a step further by asking Phillips for his comments about his contact with Hendrie.

An FA spokeswoman said: "We have now written to Kevin Phillips and have sent him a copy of the video which shows the incident. He now has the opportunity to look at it and offer his opinion of what happened.

"Once we have received that the video panel will review the incident and decide in the next two or three weeks if any charges should be referred to a disciplinary panel."

Last week Villa striker Dion Dublin had the red card he received at Southampton rescinded by the FA, who over-ruled referee Steve Dunn after studying a video of the former England man's clash with defender Tahar El Khalej, which showed he had not deliberately head-butted his opponent as the match official thought.

This time, however, the FA are investigating an incident which was missed by the referee and Phillips must now wait with bated breath to see if his trial by television ends in an embarrasing suspension as Sunderland try to clean up their disciplinary record after committing more fouls than any other team in the Premiership last season.

Peter Reid is believed to be preparing a club-record £7m bid this week for his prime transfer target, West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair.

Reid has been knocked back several times by Upton Park manager Glenn Roeder in his quest to land the England B international, but refuses to be deterred and ideally Reid would like the 28-year-old Londoner to make his debut against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer has confirmed he has had contact with Sunderland and further talks are expected this week.

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