Three groups in line to buy Aston Villa

Three groups are believed to be battling it out in a £100million fight to buy Aston Villa from want-away owner Randy Lerner, the Express & Star understands.

A Midlands-based consortium including wealthy Villa fans, a potential American investor and a Chinese group are all believed to be keen on a move for the relegated club.

Villa, rocked by the resignations of board members Lord Mervyn King and David Bernstein, revealed this week that chairman Steve Hollis was in 'extensive negotiations' to sell the club.

Reports last night claimed a group of wealthy British and European-based investors including a number of Villa supporters, were engaged in due diligence ahead of a possible move to buy the fallen giants.

Meanwhile, American computing billionaire Larry Ellison has also been linked with a possible move to buy the club.

The 71-year-old California-based Oracle computing tycoon is said to have amassed a fortune of more than $30billion.

And sources say a Chinese consortium are also keen on the club due to the rise in popularity of English football in the Far East.

Some reports have suggested China's richest man Wang Jianlin is one interested party. The former Chinese army officer is estimated to be worth $24billion.

Meanwhile, the club announced a cut in the price of season tickets as they prepare for life outside of the Premier League.

Prices will be reduced in all areas of the stadium after being relegated to the Championship. The cheapest adult tickets will cost £325 with the most expensive priced at £595.

It is a reduction of between £10 and £20 on the current season. Children's season tickets will start at £85 next season.

In a message to fans, the club said: "We want you to be with us for next season's journey as we aim for promotion back to the top-flight, with derby games against the likes of Birmingham City and Wolves on the horizon."