Randy Lerner muddies Villa's waters

Randy lerner has sparked further speculation about his long-term Villa future by dodging the chance to shut down speculation of a £200m sale.

For the second time in a week, Lerner broke a previously stubborn silence to release a statement intended to show support for struggling manager Paul Lambert.

But amid growing speculation he has already held talks about selling the club to new American investors, the owner only added to the doubts about his future role – and that of Lambert, whose side are still not safe from relegation in the Premier League following Saturday's goalless draw at home to Southampton.

Lerner said in the statement he would address rumours about a looming change of ownership after the end of the season – at the same time claiming he wanted to limit the "distraction and confusion" currently dogging the club.

Lerner's statement read: "Following the point on Saturday, there have been stories about my selling the club.

"On a personal level, I had hoped the emphasis would have been on the amazing effort on the part of our manager and our players to regroup throughout a very difficult week.

"Paul Lambert has done nothing but work within the parameters I've set, put the club first and continue to trust his players. As regards my personal role at the club and the rumours of a sale, I will address these after the season.

"Paul Lambert, Paul Faulkner and I speak daily and remain committed to the immediate job of limiting distraction and confusion in order that Villa have the best chance possible of finishing on a strong note."

The future of the manager is tied to the ownership issue with Lambert's growing unpopularity among fans making him vulnerable in the event of a new regime arriving.

Lambert has insisted that Lerner "still had the passion" for the club. But he added: "Randy doesn't tell me everything. We haven't had that conversation. It's hard for me to comment on something I don't know about."