Aston Villa takeover: Tony Xia's wait goes on

The Beijing businessman's proposed buy-out is still being checked over by the Premier League and Football League and though Xia and his advisers are confident it will be approved in due course, there is now an acceptance they may have to wait longer than first hoped.

With Football League chiefs now having de-camped to Portugal for their close season summit, a decision is now not expected until next week at the earliest.

Xia and his team have provided all the necessary paperwork, including proof of funds for both completing the deal and taking on the club's existing debt. The leagues are also scrutinising the proposed make-up of Villa's new board, which is expected to include Xia, together with former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness and Reading director Chris Samuelson.

New manager Roberto Di Matteo is planning a summer revamp of the playing squad. Out-of-contract striker Callum Robinson is among those expected to depart with both Preston and Fulham thought to be interested in his services. Goalkeeper Ben Siegrist has joined Vaduz FC in the Swiss Super League.