Takeover may delay Villa deals

Aston Villa chief executive Tom Fox has admitted uncertainty over the club's ownership could have an impact on their summer dealings.

Defender Micah Richards is expected to be confirmed as the claret and blues' first new recruit next week on a free transfer.

But Fox has conceded any prolonged takeover of the club could hamper further progress in the transfer market. This week it was revealed owner Randy Lerner, who is desperate to sell, had entered a period of exclusivity with a preferred bidder.

Fox said: "Will that have an impact on how we do things (in the transfer window) and how quickly we do them?

"Yeah, I can't tell you that it won't. "