Next Aston Villa manager: Roberto Di Matteo appointment imminent as Tony Xia waits
Roberto Di Matteo remains on course to be appointed Villa's new manager by the weekend.
Talks between the former Albion boss and the claret and blues have been positive and the club remain hopeful of finalising an agreement over the next couple of days.
Di Matteo's appointment could come before prospective new owner Tony Xia completes his takeover of the club.
The Beijing businessman's £75million buy-out still needs to be ratified by the Premier League and Football League, with some reports yesterday claiming it was on the verge of collapse because Xia does not have the funds.
Those flames were further fanned by former Villa assistant boss Ray Wilkins, who claimed during an interview on national radio a 'dear friend' had told him the deal 'is not going through'.
But it is understood Xia and his advisors provided proof of finances last week and sources close to the group remain confident the deal will be given the green light in due course.
The Premier League and Football League are scrutinising every aspect, including any proposed new directors who, along with Xia, will need to pass a fit and proper persons test.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness is set to take up the same role at Villa Park, with ex-Reading director Chris Samuelson also expected to be on the new-look board.
