American billionaire Randy Lerner has edged closer to his
takeover of Aston Villa after increasing his shareholding of the
club to over 90%.
Lerner is set to exercise his right to compulsorily acquire the
remaining shares as soon as possible. He was officially installed
as chairman of Aston Villa on 19 September after Doug Ellis vacated
the role.
Lerner, the owner of American football team the Cleveland Browns,
has already been busy planning Villa's future.
He is hoping to line-up a £100m sponsorship deal by Christmas,
which will provide manager Martin O'Neill with further funds for
players alongside Lerner's own capital.
Lerner is also set to bring in a chief executive to handle the
day-to-day running of Villa - a post that has been vacant since
Bruce Langham resigned in May 2005.