Villa linked with £250m takeover

Businessmen from the United States and Russia are reportedly considering an offer to current owner Randy Lerner to end his troubled tenure at Villa Park.

But their interest is said to hinge on the club staving off the lingering threat of relegation.

Boss Paul Lambert yesterday shrugged off the suspension of his two closest aides, Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa, to plead for a united front as Villa bid to finally pull clear of the relegation mire.

But they will host Southampton tomorrow amid fresh speculation over Lerner's future.

Groups from Texas and Russia are reportedly hovering with two billionaires said to be ready to front a potential American takeover.

Their interest would end, however, if Villa slid into the Championship and lost their huge influx of broadcast rights money and the potential to attract massive sponsorship deals.

Lerner spent more than £60m to buy the club eight years ago and has ploughed an estimated £250m into players and facilities.

In the event of a sale, he is likely to seek to recoup much of that money, but a £200m-plus offer could tempt a man who has become increasingly detached from events at Villa Park.

Lambert, who faced criticism from fans after last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, knows victory tomorrow would end any remaining drop fears.

He said: "The training over the last few days has been really upbeat. If there was ever a time you needed the supporters, it's right now – to get right behind the lads. I know they're waiting for us to give them something in the home games. They have always been great. But the players need them to help drive them on.

"I have seen some great times at the stadium with the crowd right behind them. That's what the lads need at this time.

"They will come in their thousands. That's all I can ask - to come and support the team, which they will. We have to give them something back, I know. That's the mantra.

"The lads can go in and thrive on it because it's a great game for us to play in. The lads know the situation. They know what's at stake and everything that's there. They'll be ready for this.

"You've got to handle the pressure and handle the occasion to go and win."