Aston Villa sale: Club in 'very constructive negotiations', reveals Steve Hollis

The claret and blues have also confirmed they will not hold a players' lap of appreciation after tomorrow's game against Newcastle.

It has been tradition for players to parade around the Villa Park pitch following the final home game in order to thank fans for their support.

But with the club having won just three games in a season which will end in relegation, the club have decided, following consultation with supporters representatives, that a lap of appreciation "would not be appropriate" in the current circumstances.

Hollis, who replaced wantaway owner Randy Lerner in January, is thought to be in negotiations with three groups over a potential sale.

Villa have been without a permanent manager since Remi Garde's exit in March, with former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson the long-time favourite to take the post.

But Hollis has now confirmed the appointment of a new boss is closely linked to takeover talks.

He said: "We are in very constructive negotiations which could lead to the sale of the club to a new owner.

"There has been no shortage of parties who would like to own Aston Villa but our negotiations are now with those parties that we believe will have the passion and ambition to return the club to winning the highest honours in European football.

"The appointment of the manager is at this time inextricably linked to the current negotiations."

The club statement continued: "The club has consulted with supporter representatives over the annual lap of appreciation and understand in the current circumstances that would not be appropriate.

"Throughout a bitterly disappointing campaign our supporters have been the one positive and the club would like to thank them all for their tremendous support."