LONDON (AFP) - Aston Villa have been charged by the Premier League following allegations they made an illegal approach for Southampton forward James Beattie in the close season.

If found guilty, Villa could face a large fine after top-flight rivals Southampton launched an official complaint.

The allegations came to light following comments from Villa manager David O'Leary that Beattie wanted to move to Villa Park after the club's six million pounds bid had been rejected.

A Villa spokesman nevertheless told the club's official website www.avfc.co.uk: "We have requested a personal hearing for the manager, at which we will be strenuously denying all allegations brought in the charge."

After Southampton had lost 2-0 at Villa Park on the opening day of the season, O'Leary was quoted on Villa's website as saying: "All I can say is that I think there's a player there who definitely wants to join us.

"He has an opportunity to join a few people, but I think he sees the way we play is good for strikers and that he will get a few goals."

Meanwhile Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe told his club's website: "It is a Premier League matter and it is in their hands now so we will wait to see what they decide.

"We felt that Aston Villa made an illegal approach for James Beattie while he was still under contract to us and without our permission.

"The Premier League have set up a commission to look into this so we await their verdict with interest."

Premier League rules state that a club cannot approach a player directly with a view to a move without his club's permission unless he is in the final six months of a contract.

Beattie, whose contract does not run out until the summer of 2006, did not fall into that category, but Villa insist that they did not contravene regulations at any time.