Chinese consortium plan to takeover Aston Villa

Aston Villa are being targeted by a wealthy Chinese consortium who want to complete a takeover immediately after the FA Cup final.

Tim Sherwood’s side stunned Liverpool on Sunday to set up a showdown against Arsenal on May 30.

And Villa could lift the Cup then be in new hands within hours as the Chinese are determined to buy a Premier League club.

The group have also held talks with neighbouring West Brom as a back-up plan as the move for Villa would depend on them avoiding relegation.

MirrorSport understands the consortium already have representatives in England and are doing due diligence ahead of completing a Villa deal in early June.

They have been at the training ground and toured the club as wantaway owner Randy Lerner is willing to sell for around £150million.

But four miles away, Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace has also put his club up for sale - and the same Chinese group are interested in Albion as an alternative.

Peace, who has shown the group around their stadium and facilities, is holding out for upwards of £100m.

Villa, whose sale is being handled by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, has more potential with its top stadium, training ground and bigger fanbase, but is also more expensive.

Albion, meanwhile, recently posted annual financial results showing pre-tax profits of £14.7m on an income of £86.8m.

Peace is believed to have impressed the group with his financially prudent methods such as having all staff on flex-down contracts should the club be relegated.

Original title by Mirror: Aston Villa takeover: Chinese consortium plan purchase just HOURS after FA Cup final