Express & Star

Aston Villa set to avoid immediate financial crisis following cash injection

Villa are on course to avoid an immediate financial crisis following a cash injection by owner Tony Xia.

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The club are understood to be confident of paying their latest round of bills after Xia provided much-needed funds.

Villa narrowly avoided being hit with a winding-up order after missing last month’s tax payment.

Xia’s intervention means June’s bill is expected to be paid in full and on time, though the club’s long-term financial outlook remains precarious.

The owner, who has struggled to effectively fund Villa since last August, has been desperately sourcing outside investment and discussions have taken place with several interested parties.

Further developments are expected soon and could even occur over the course of the weekend, with Xia believed to be mulling one offer from a group prepared to invest £40million in return for a controlling stake in the club.

Villa, who are also facing the threat of a £6million lawsuit from former chief executive Keith Wyness, are understood to have met with EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey during the course of the week to discuss their plans.

Even if the primary issue of cashflow is resolved, the club must still raise around £40million in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations a year from now.

Selling star man Jack Grealish appears the most likely solution to that particular problem, with Villa believing they can attract a fee of around £25million for the former England under-21 international.