Lerner tipped to enter bid in Villa buyout

CLEVELAND Browns owner Randy Lerner — who is reportedly preparing a takeover of Premiership club Aston Villa — is “exploring” business interests in England, according to the National Football League team.

It is understood the American billionaire will enter the bidding for the West Midlands club when Villa chairman Doug Ellis returns from holiday this week.

A spokesman for the Cleveland Browns said: “We have no comment on this specific matter, but can say that Randy has always maintained interests outside of the Browns and is currently exploring ones in England where he has been involved since 1993.”