Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that a rift between coach Andy Flower and batsman Kevin Pietersen is clear for all to see.

Flower moved swiftly to deny reports that he issued an ultimatum to the ECB claiming that he will leave if Pietersen continues with the international setup.

However, Vaughan believes that there must be an "issue" if both Flower and Pietersen have commented on the reports.

"There is something in it," Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 live. "Andy Flower has probably seen all the headlines and he might not have said that, but there's clearly an issue between him and Kevin Pietersen."

The rumours have emerged following England's 5-0 whitewash defeat to Australia in The Ashes.