Villa talks ongoing

The Irish consortium proposing to take over Aston Villa have revealed discussions are ongoing as they attempt to conclude a £64m (€93m) deal.

Villa fan Michael Neville is fronting the bid, financed mainly by developers Brian and Luke Comer.

Aston Villa Investments Limited (‘Avil’) has been formed to drive the proposed takeover and has been in talks with Villa chairman Doug Ellis.

A statement on the Stock Exchange said: “Discussions are ongoing with Aston Villa PLC’s advisors. Due diligence is progressing and Avil is focused on settling its financing arrangements.

“Avil also wishes to make it clear that it is committed to concluding a transaction on terms acceptable to the major shareholders of Aston Villa and to enable the club to prosper in the future.

“For the avoidance of doubt there can be no certainty that an offer will be made nor as to the terms on which an offer might be made nor as to the timing of any offer.”