Lerner vague about Villa takeover bid

AMERICAN billionaire Randy Lerner has admitted his ongoing interest in the possibility of buying Aston Villa, but remains non- committal about whether he will launch a takeover bid.

Speaking before a practice session of his Cleveland Browns NFL team, Lerner told reporters he had explored “opportunities” to get involved in a Premiership club.

“I’ve been open and interested to some extent,” he said. “There are opportunities, but they are nothing more than opportunities. I think my concern is if I put myself in a position to speak clearly on it, I’m going to be misleading.”

Lerner had talks with Villa owner Doug Ellis last week but appeared to pull out of the running.