Lerner on brink of Villa buyout

RANDY LERNER is on the brink of completing a 100% buyout of Aston Villa — but he could face a nervous fortnight.

The American, who is thought to be worth in the region of £680million (€1 billion) and already owns NFL side the Cleveland Browns, has provisionally secured 85.5% of shares in the Villa Park club.

However, Villa pointed out that unless Lerner’s investment vehicle Reform Acquisitions Ltd reach the 90% mark by September 18, the deal may hit the rocks.