Chinese or American group granted exclusivity by Aston Villa

Aston Villa could have new owners by the start of the new Premier League season after an unnamed bidder was granted exclusivity.

Villa owner Randy Lerner had been in talks with three consortiums interested in buying the club and now one of those has been granted exclusivity, meaning they can hold further talks over the next four to six weeks. 

Sky sources understand the three consortiums involved are, a group led by former Chelsea executive Paul Smith, one of American businessmen and a third group from China.

The price is believed to be in the region of £150m and is being negotiated by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, who are the bank negotiating on behalf of owner Learner. 

Sky understand that that Smith's consortium is unlikely to have been granted exclusivity, so it appears to be a straight fight between the American group and the Chinese.

Villa have effectively been up for sale for more than a year, with Lerner, the American tycoon who bought the club for just over £65m in 2006, keen to sell.

Last year, Lerner appointed Bank of America Merrill Lynch to handle an auction of the club, and dozens of parties are said to have lodged an interest.