Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness has no concerns over finances

Villa this week announced a loss of £81.3million for the 2015/16 financial year, prior to Tony Xia’s takeover last June.

Wyness, who took over day-to-day running of the club following the Beijing businessman’s £76.2million buy-out, claimed most of the loss could be attributed to Villa’s market value being readjusted and added: “There is no cause for concern.

“Since we bought the club we have reduced the debt in terms of overdraft facility and Tony is funding the growth himself.

“The club has probably never been in better financial shape. We are always going to see the issue of parachute payments being reduced in years to come but that is something we are aware of and something we are prepared for.”

Wyness also played down any concerns the club might risk breaching Financial Fair Play regulations but did admit this might become a more serious factor should they fail to win promotion next season.

Under FFP rules, Villa are permitted to make a maximum loss of £83million over a span of three seasons including the current campaign and projections for 2016/17 have already been lodged.

Wyness said: “Financial Fair Play is a very annoying rule in my view because it discourages people to invest in their own assets.

“We are OK this year and we are going to be OK next season. The season after is what we are having to plan for.

“If we go up next year then there is no problem but I am the one who has to plan for every eventuality and put plans in place to make sure we do not fall foul of it.”

Wyness also confirmed the club are again looking into the issue of safe-standing at Villa Park and are considering a fan consultation.

“We have an internal working group and are looking at implications of cost,” he said. “Most importantly we have to do a fan consultation to see if they want it as well. There are certain parts of Villa Park which could be safe-standing areas provided the fans want it.”